Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei

Knull, 1941

Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei is a of ( ) described by Knull in 1941. Originally described as a distinct (Pachyschelus uvaldei), it is now treated as a subspecies of the widespread P. purpureus. are active in early spring and have been recorded feeding on wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). Like other members of the tribe Trachyini, are . The subspecies occurs in North America, with the locality at Uvalde, Texas.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei: //ˌpækɪˈskɛləs pɜːrˈpʊriəs juːˈvældeɪaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the nominate P. purpureus purpureus by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences; the nominate form occurs primarily in eastern North America while P. p. uvaldei is found in south-central regions. are small, flattened, and wedge-shaped with coloration and spotting. The Pachyschelus is characterized by this distinctive body form, which differs from the more elongate, cylindrical shape typical of most .

Habitat

Associated with in woodland and prairie edge . have been observed on flowers and foliage of wild geranium.

Distribution

South-central North America; locality Uvalde, Texas. Recorded from Texas and surrounding regions.

Seasonality

Early spring; active during April–May.

Diet

feed on wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). are , developing within leaves of plants.

Host Associations

  • Geranium maculatum - feeding and likely larval developmentOnly confirmed ; feed on flowers and foliage

Life Cycle

mine leaves of plants; occurs within the leaf mine or in soil. emerge in early spring. The appears to be , with a single per year.

Behavior

are and found on foliage and flowers. They are active during warm spring days.

Ecological Role

Leaf-mining may cause minor damage to foliage; contribute to while feeding on flowers.

Human Relevance

Occasionally collected by . First recorded from Virginia in 2012, representing a range extension for the .

Similar Taxa

  • Pachyschelus purpureus purpureusNominate ; occurs in eastern North America, distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences
  • Pachyschelus nicolayiSimilar coloration but smaller and lacks spotting; active later in season and associated with Apios americana and Wisteria frutescens
  • Pachyschelus laevigatusBlack rather than , lacks spotting; restricted to Lespedeza

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Sources and further reading