Brachys cephalicus
Schaeffer, 1909
Brachys cephalicus is a of metallic wood-boring in the , first described by Schaeffer in 1909. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Field observations from southeastern Arizona indicate are active in late spring (early June), where they have been collected by sweeping foliage of Quercus arizonica (Arizona oak) and Quercus emoryi (Emory oak). Like other members of the Brachys, it is associated with oak foliage and appears to be most readily collected when trees have freshly flushed new leaves.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brachys cephalicus: /ˈbrækɪs sɛˈfælɪkəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of the Brachys are small, compact with a somewhat triangular or wedge-shaped body profile when viewed dorsally. Brachys cephalicus can be distinguished from the more commonly encountered Brachys ovatus in the eastern United States by its western distribution and association with southwestern oak . From Brachys querci, which also occurs in the southwestern U.S., it differs in details of elytral and maculation pattern. Brachys floccosus, another southwestern species, has a more distinctly or "floccose" appearance. Positive identification typically requires examination of microscopic characters including the form of the male and details of the elytral surface sculpture.
Habitat
Associated with oak woodlands and forests, particularly in montane and foothill regions. In southeastern Arizona, has been collected in riparian montane oak woodlands and canyon environments with mixed oak-juniper-pine vegetation. trees include Quercus arizonica (Arizona oak) and Quercus emoryi (Emory oak).
Distribution
Central America and North America. Specific records include southeastern Arizona (Huachuca Mountains, Chiricahua Mountains area).
Seasonality
have been observed in early June in southeastern Arizona, suggesting late spring activity period. Activity appears to coincide with the period when oak are producing fresh foliage.
Host Associations
- Quercus arizonica - collected from foliageArizona oak; swept from foliage in Huachuca Mountains
- Quercus emoryi - collected from foliageEmory oak; swept from foliage in Huachuca Mountains
Behavior
have been collected by sweeping foliage of oaks, suggesting they spend time on the leaves of living trees. Activity appears concentrated on trees with newly flushed foliage, a pattern observed in other Brachys .
Similar Taxa
- Brachys querciAlso occurs in southwestern oak woodlands; differs in elytral and maculation details
- Brachys floccosusSouthwestern with more distinctly appearance; collected from same general region
- Brachys ovatusEastern North ; B. cephalicus replaces this species in the Southwest
More Details
Collecting methodology
Based on field observations by , Brachys cephalicus is most effectively collected using a long-handled aerial to sweep the upper foliage of oaks, particularly when trees have freshly flushed new leaves. This method is superior to beating for accessing specimens in the upper canopy where this appears to occur.
Taxonomic history
Described by Schaeffer in 1909. The Brachys contains numerous small, oak-associated that are poorly collected and frequently misidentified; B. cephalicus is among the less commonly encountered species in collections.