Polycesta arizonica
Schaeffer, 1906
Sky Island Polycesta
Polycesta arizonica is a of metallic wood-boring in the , commonly known as the Sky Island Polycesta. It belongs to the subgenus Polycesta (Arizonica) and is found in the Sky Islands region of southeastern Arizona. The species is associated with oak-juniper woodland at moderate elevations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Polycesta arizonica: /ˌpɒlɪˈsɛstə ˌærɪˈzoʊnɪkə/
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Habitat
Oak-juniper woodland in the Sky Islands region of southeastern Arizona.
Distribution
Southeastern Arizona, specifically the Sky Islands region (Santa Rita Mountains, Atascosa Mountains, Huachuca Mountains). .
Host Associations
- Quercus oblongifolia - breedingFound under fallen branches of Mexican oak
- Quercus - breedingAssociated with oak wood, including dead branches and fallen logs
Behavior
have been found under fallen branches of oak. Likely active during summer months based on collection records from July.
Similar Taxa
- Polycesta aruensisBoth occur in southeastern Arizona and are associated with oak ; P. aruensis is larger and has different preferences
- Polycesta angulosaSame but P. angulosa has different distribution and morphological features
More Details
Taxonomic note
Placed in subgenus Polycesta (Arizonica) by Cobos in 1981, distinguishing it from nominate Polycesta and subgenus Tularensia.
Collection history
One documented specimen collected by beating the underside of a large, fallen branch of Quercus oblongifolia (Mexican oak) in the Atascosa Mountains, Arizona, in late July.