Megacyllene

Casey, 1912

Species Guides

8

Megacyllene is a of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 50 distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus includes both Nearctic and Neotropical species with diverse ecological associations. Several species have been studied for their chemistry, revealing species-specific attraction to compounds such as anti-2,3-hexanediol and (S)-α-terpineol. Larval vary considerably among species, with most Nearctic species associated with Fabaceae (e.g., Robinia, Prosopis, Dalea), though notable exceptions include M. caryae on Carya and M. comanchei possibly on Asteraceae.

Megacyllene powersi by (c) Jo Roberts, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jo Roberts. Used under a CC-BY license.Megacyllene by no rights reserved, uploaded by Vijay Barve. Used under a CC0 license.Megacyllene by (c) RAP, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by RAP. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megacyllene: /ˌmɛɡəˈsɪlɪni/

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Images

Distribution

Distributed across the Americas, with occurring in North America (United States, Canada), Central America, and South America (Peru, Brazil, Argentina). Specific distribution varies by species: M. comanchei occurs in the Great Plains from Texas to South Dakota; M. angulifera in northern Great Plains states and provinces; M. andesiana in Peru; M. angulata in the Amazon region.

Host Associations

  • Fabaceae - larval Primary larval for most Nearctic including Robinia (M. robiniae, M. snowi), Prosopis (M. antennata), Amorpha (M. decora), Dalea candida (M. angulifera)
  • Asteraceae - possible larval Heterotheca suggested as possible for M. comanchei based on association with dead root crowns; not confirmed
  • Malvaceae - possible Luehea cymulosa observed as copulation site for M. angulata; larval development unconfirmed
  • Dilleniaceae - possible Doliocarpus dentatus observed as copulation site for M. angulata; larval development unconfirmed
  • Juglandaceae - larval Carya primary for M. caryae, which is unique in the for not using Fabaceae
  • Oleaceae - larval Fraxinus americana documented as larval for M. angulifera

Behavior

of many are associated with flowers, particularly Solidago (goldenrod) for M. angulifera. M. comanchei adults exhibit atypical for the , being found crawling on the ground in shortgrass prairie rather than on flowers, possibly seeking oviposition sites at plant root crowns. Mating behavior has been described for M. angulata, with copulation occurring on host plants. Males of congeneric species may use multiple tactics when aggressively competing for mates.

Sources and further reading