Goniotropis
G.R.Gray, 1831
Goniotropis is a of in the , Paussinae, containing at least 40 described . are large, parallel-sided found in the New World tropics. are burrow-dwelling with a distinctive composed of modified and plates. The genus ranges from southern Arizona to northern Argentina.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Goniotropis: /ɡoʊˌnaɪoʊˈtroʊpɪs/
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Identification
: large, parallel-sided body form characteristic of paussine . : possess a composed of modified and plates used to seal burrows; this structure distinguishes them from other paussine larvae. A to paussine larval is available in the taxonomic literature.
Images
Habitat
construct and inhabit burrows in soil or substrate, which they seal using their . occur in tropical and subtropical terrestrial environments.
Distribution
New World tropics, from southern Arizona (United States) south to northern Argentina.
Diet
are predatory, feeding on live captured using the moveable components of their . diet is not documented.
Life Cycle
Development includes , first , and second instar larva. Larval stage is spent in constructed burrows. Details of and are not described.
Behavior
construct burrows and seal them with their . They trap live using moveable components of this disk, then transport captured prey into their gallery for consumption. Burrowing and feeding behaviors closely resemble those of Pachyteles .
Similar Taxa
- PachytelesLarval burrowing and feeding behaviors closely resemble those of Goniotropis; both share the distinctive structure and predatory larval .
More Details
Larval morphology
The of Goniotropis is a unique structural composed of modified and plates, serving both defensive and predatory functions.
Research history
The first larval description for any Goniotropis was published for G. kuntzeni in 2006, based on specimens from southern Arizona reared under laboratory conditions.