Elytroleptus apicalis

(LeConte, 1884)

Elytroleptus apicalis is a longhorned beetle in the Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1884. The species is a documented lycid mimic and has been recorded as on its own lycid models (family Lycidae), making it one of only three Elytroleptus species known to exhibit this . The Elytroleptus contains fifteen species distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Elytroleptus apicalis: /ɛlɪˈtrəʊlɛptəs æˈpaɪkəlɪs/

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Distribution

Found in North America and Middle America; specifically recorded from the United States (US) and Mexico (MX). The occurs in the southwestern United States and extends into Mexico.

Diet

on lycid beetles ( Lycidae); has been documented feeding on its own lycid models.

Host Associations

Lycidae - preylycid beetles; the is on its own lycid models

Behavior

Lycid mimic; exhibits Batesian or Müllerian mimicry by resembling poisonous or unpalatable lycid beetles. One of three Elytroleptus recorded as on its own lycid models.

Similar Taxa

Elytroleptus ignitusAlso recorded as on lycid models; shares the predatory on lycid beetles
Elytroleptus limpianusAlso recorded as on lycid models; shares the predatory on lycid beetles

More Details

Mimicry system

Elytroleptus apicalis participates in a mimicry system involving lycid beetles ( Lycidae), which are typically aposematically colored in orange and black to advertise their unpalatability or . The has been documented as on its own lycid models, a rare behavioral trait among only three species in the .