Biology:Sphenostethus

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Short description: Genus of beetles

Sphenostethus
Sphenostethus taslei.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Cerambycidae
Subfamily: Prioninae
Tribe: Solenopterini
Genus: Sphenostethus
Westwood, 1845
Species:
S. taslei
Binomial name
Sphenostethus taslei
(Buquet, 1841)
Synonyms
  • Hoplopteryx Westwood, 1845

Sphenostethus is a genus of beetles in the family Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles). It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Sphenostethus taslei.[1]

It is found throughout the eastern United States , from Pennsylvania to Texas.[2] Craighead noted that its larvae are unusual in their habit of boring into dry dead treetop limbs, rather than damp wood near the ground[2] This point was contested by Vlasak & Vlasakova, who recorded that S. taslei larvae were more frequently found in fallen limbs, not necessarily preferring treetop branches. They also argued against the association with dry branches, finding instead a larval preference for limbs of smaller diameter compared to other prionids.[3] Various hardwoods are used as larval hosts, including oak, chestnut, and redbud.[2] They are also frequently found in American beech.[4] Craighead remarked that the adults of this species are rarely seen, but the larvae are quite common.[2]

References

Wikidata ☰ {{{from}}} entry