Placosternus
Hopping, 1937
Placosternus is a of longhorn () in the tribe Clytini, established by Hopping in 1937. The genus contains four described , all originally described by Chevrolat in the 19th century and later transferred to this genus. These beetles are part of the diverse cerambycid fauna, with members distributed across the Neotropical region.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Placosternus: /plækoʊˈstɜrnəs/
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Identification
As a member of Clytini, in this likely exhibit the tribe's characteristic features: often with conspicuous tufts or of , and frequently bold color patterns. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed in other genera, suggesting subtle but consistent morphological distinctions from related such as Megacyllene or Neoclytus. Positive identification to species level requires examination of specific characters including antennal structure, pronotal shape, and elytral markings.
Images
Distribution
The occurs in the Neotropical region. Individual have been recorded from Central and South America, with specific localities including Mexico and northern South America.
Similar Taxa
- MegacylleneAlso in Clytini with similar body form and antennal features; were historically transferred between these
- NeoclytusShares tribe membership and general appearance; distinguished by subtle differences in antennal and pronotal structure
More Details
Taxonomic history
All four currently placed in Placosternus were originally described by Chevrolat in the mid-19th century under different generic combinations. The Placosternus was established by Hopping in 1937 as a new genus to accommodate these species based on perceived morphological distinctions from related .
Species composition
The contains: Placosternus crinicornis (Chevrolat, 1860), Placosternus difficilis (Chevrolat, 1862), Placosternus erythropus (Chevrolat, 1835), and Placosternus guttatus (Chevrolat, 1860).