Megacyllene robusta
Linsley & Chemsak, 1963
Megacyllene robusta is a longhorned beetle ( Cerambycidae) described in 1963 from Arizona. It belongs to a of wood-boring beetles whose members typically exhibit yellow and black banded coloration resembling . The is poorly known, with minimal published biological information and few documented observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megacyllene robusta: /ˌmɛɡəˈsɪlɪni roʊˈbʌstə/
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Identification
Can be distinguished from sympatric Megacyllene antennata by more robust body proportions. Differs from the eastern North American M. caryae and M. robiniae by geographic range. Specific diagnostic characters for separating M. robusta from other southwestern such as M. snowi remain poorly documented in published literature.
Habitat
Associated with mesquite-dominated in southeastern Arizona, based on collection records.
Distribution
Known only from Arizona, United States. The precise range within the state is poorly documented.
Host Associations
- Prosopis - suspected Collected in mesquite areas; specific plant associations have not been confirmed through rearing studies.
Behavior
have been captured at ultraviolet light, indicating activity. A collector has reported attempting to attract this using fermenting traps with molasses-based mixtures, though success was not achieved.
Similar Taxa
- Megacyllene antennataOccurs sympatrically in Arizona; distinguished by more slender body form and differences in antennal structure.
- Megacyllene snowiAnother poorly known Arizona ; specific distinguishing characters require examination of .
More Details
Collection difficulty
Considered a desirable by coleopterists due to its apparent rarity. One experienced collector noted that despite multiple attempts using fermenting traps in appropriate , he was never successful in capturing this species, while the related M. antennata was regularly taken at lights.