Elytroleptus limpianus
Skiles & Chemsak, 1982
Elytroleptus limpianus is a longhorned beetle in the Cerambycidae, described by Skiles & Chemsak in 1982. It belongs to the Elytroleptus, which comprises fifteen species distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. This species is notable as one of three Elytroleptus species documented to be on their own lycid models, functioning as both a Batesian mimic and an active of the beetles it resembles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Elytroleptus limpianus: / ˌɛlɪtrəˈlɛptəs lɪmˈpɪanəs/
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Distribution
Southwestern United States and Mexico; specifically recorded from Texas and adjacent regions based on field observations.
Diet
Host Associations
- Lycidae - prey modelElytroleptus limpianus mimics lycid beetles and actively preys upon them
Behavior
lycid mimic; on own model
Similar Taxa
- Elytroleptus apicalisalso on lycid models; shares mimicry and predatory habit
- Elytroleptus ignitusalso on lycid models; shares mimicry and predatory habit
More Details
Taxonomic note
Elytroleptus limpianus was described by Skiles & Chemsak in 1982. The Elytroleptus was revised in 2013 by Grzymala & Miller, who confirmed this as one of three in the genus exhibiting on their lycid models.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Histeridae | Beetles In The Bush
- Cimbicidae | Beetles In The Bush
- Acanthaceae | Beetles In The Bush
- Taxonomic Revision and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus <i>Elytroleptus</i> Dugés (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Trachyderini)