Sphenostethus
Sphenostethus is a genus of beetles in the family Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles). It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Sphenostethus taslei.[1]
| Sphenostethus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Cerambycidae |
| Subfamily: | Prioninae |
| Tribe: | Solenopterini |
| Genus: | Sphenostethus Westwood, 1845 |
| Species: | S. taslei |
| Binomial name | |
| Sphenostethus taslei (Buquet, 1841) | |
| Synonyms | |
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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
- Bezark, Larry G. A Photographic Catalog of the Cerambycidae of the World. Retrieved on 22 May 2012.
- Craighead, Frank C.; States, United (1915). Contributions toward a classification and biology of the North American Cerambycidae. Washington: G.P.O. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.66097.
- Vlasak, Josef; Vlasakova, K. (December 31, 2021). "New larval hosts and ecological observations on North American Cerambycidae". Insecta Mundi (901): 1–23 – via Florida Online Journals.
- Champlain, A. B.; Kirk, H. B.; Knull, J. N. (1925). "Notes on the Cerambycidae". Entomological News. 36: 105–109 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.