Elytroleptus divisus

(LeConte, 1884)

Elytroleptus divisus is a in the , originally described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1884. The species was previously known as Elytroleptus dichromaticus until that name was synonymized with E. divisus in a 2013 taxonomic revision. The species exhibits intraspecific polychromatic variation in coloration. Like other members of its , E. divisus is a mimic, displaying orange and black coloration that resembles the aposematic warning coloration of distasteful (family Lycidae). The genus Elytroleptus is distributed throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, with most species occurring in arid and semi-arid regions.

Identification

Elytroleptus divisus can be distinguished from other Elytroleptus by its characteristic coloration and pattern. The species exhibits intraspecific polychromatic variation, which historically led to its confusion with E. dichromaticus before their synonymy was established. As a mimic, display orange and black coloration resembling that of ( Lycidae). Accurate identification requires examination of adult morphological characters including mouthparts and ; a detailed to all fifteen species of Elytroleptus was provided by Grzymala & Miller (2013).

Habitat

Arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Field observations indicate association with Karwinskia humboldtiana (coyotillo) in riparian and dry woodland in western Texas, where have been observed flying from flowering bushes.

Distribution

Southwestern United States (Texas and adjacent areas) and Mexico. The is part of a distributed throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Rica). GBIF records indicate presence in Mexico (MX) and the United States (US).

Seasonality

have been observed active in late May in western Texas, with activity associated with flowering of plants.

Host Associations

Karwinskia humboldtiana - association observed on flowering coyotillo bushes in western Texas; flowers abuzz with and Pepsis when present

Behavior

are and have been observed flying from vegetation when disturbed. The exhibits , displaying coloration resembling that of distasteful ( Lycidae). This mimicry likely provides protection from . Some related species in the (E. apicalis, E. ignitus, E. limpianus) are known to be on their lycid models, though this has not been explicitly documented for E. divisus.

Similar Taxa

Elytroleptus apicalisSimilar -mimic coloration and congeneric status; distinguished by specific morphological characters detailed in Grzymala & Miller (2013)
Elytroleptus ignitusSimilar -mimic coloration and congeneric status; distinguished by specific morphological characters detailed in Grzymala & Miller (2013)
Lyconotus lateralis and other LycidaeE. divisus is a mimic of ; can be distinguished by their including structure and body form