Megacyllene angulifera
(Casey, 1912)
Megacyllene angulifera is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to central North America, ranging from Alberta to Texas. are typically observed in fall on flowers of Solidago (goldenrod). Larvae develop in root crowns of Dalea candida (Fabaceae). The is closely related to M. comanchei, with which it may be confused, though the two differ in elytral coloration, plant associations, and adult .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megacyllene angulifera: /ˌmɛgəˈsɪlɪni æŋˌɡjuːlɪˈfɪərə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the similar Megacyllene comanchei by elytral pubescent banding: M. angulifera has yellow bands throughout, while M. comanchei has white premedian and sutural segments of the postmedian bands with remaining bands yellow. In M. comanchei, the subapical and bands often coalesce along the elytral and lateral margins. of M. angulifera are found on goldenrod flowers, whereas M. comanchei adults are found crawling on the ground in prairie and are not associated with flowers.
Habitat
Grassland and prairie . occur on flowers of Solidago (goldenrod). Larvae inhabit root crowns of Dalea candida.
Distribution
Central North America: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada; southward through the Great Plains to Texas in the United States.
Seasonality
active in fall (autumn).
Host Associations
- Dalea candida - larval Larvae develop in root crowns (Blodgett et al. 2005)
- Solidago - association found on flowers
Life Cycle
Larvae tunnel through upper root crowns of plant. Developmental details otherwise poorly documented.
Behavior
visit flowers of Solidago (goldenrod). Females likely seek oviposition sites at base of plants; males may search for females on the ground.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on Dalea candida root crowns. flower visitor on Solidago.
Similar Taxa
- Megacyllene comancheiVery similar elytral pattern but with white (not yellow) band segments; found on ground in prairie rather than on flowers; associated with Heterotheca rather than Dalea or Solidago
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty
The distinctiveness of M. angulifera from M. comanchei has been questioned due to similarity in appearance. However, differences in plant use (Fabaceae vs. Asteraceae) and (flower-visiting vs. ground-crawling) support their separation as distinct . Large series for comprehensive comparison have not been available.