Purpuricenus opacus
(Knull, 1937)
Purpuricenus opacus is a of in the , described by Knull in 1937. It is considered a west Texas specialty that has been recently documented from oak in the Lincoln National Forest of Eddy County, New Mexico, expanding its known range beyond Texas. The species is associated with oak woodlands in pinyon/oak/juniper .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Purpuricenus opacus: /pʊrˌpjuːrɪˈsiːnəs oʊˈpeɪkəs/
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Identification
A member of the Purpuricenus, which contains typically characterized by striking coloration patterns. Specific diagnostic features for P. opacus are not documented in available sources. The genus is distinguished within Trachyderini by distinctive elytral coloration and patterning, though P. opacus is noted as being less vividly colored than (specific epithet 'opacus' meaning dull or opaque).
Habitat
Pinyon/oak/juniper woodland, specifically associated with oak (Quercus spp.) in montane and foothill zones. Documented from gray oak (Quercus grisea) in New Mexico records. Occurs in semi-arid to arid woodland at moderate elevations.
Distribution
Originally known from west Texas; recently recorded from Eddy County, New Mexico (Lincoln National Forest, Hamm Vista area along Klondike Gap Road). The New Mexico record represents a range expansion based on rearing from oak.
Seasonality
activity appears to occur in late spring to summer. Field observations from June 2024 indicate the may emerge following rainfall events, with noting it may be 'a bit early' for the species in mid-to-late June. Trap placement in late May with servicing in late June suggests an period spanning at least this period.
Host Associations
- Quercus grisea - larval gray oak; reared from this in New Mexico
- Quercus - larval -level association with oak
Life Cycle
Larval development occurs in oak wood. have been reared from oak branches, indicating wood-boring larval habit typical of . Specific details on timing and adult longevity are not documented.
Behavior
are attracted to fermenting traps (sweet red wine/ethanol mixtures) hung in oak woodland, indicating response to fermentation volatiles. No other behavioral observations are documented.
Ecological Role
Wood-boring contributing to decomposition of oak wood and in pinyon/oak/juniper woodland . Serves as for woodpeckers and other .
Human Relevance
Of interest to due to its restricted distribution and recent range expansion documentation. Collected using jug traps with fermenting for scientific study. No economic importance documented.
Similar Taxa
- Purpuricenus paraxillaris in same ; both occur in southwestern North oak woodlands. P. paraxillaris was discovered using similar bucket trap methods and is among the more vividly colored congeners, whereas P. opacus is notably duller in coloration.
- Purpuricenus axillaris with which P. paraxillaris was initially confused; similar associations in oak woodlands.
More Details
Range expansion documentation
The New Mexico record from 2024 represents a significant range expansion. The was reared from oak (Quercus grisea) at Hamm Vista in the Lincoln National Forest, Eddy County, New Mexico—previously considered a west Texas . This finding was made during systematic jug trap surveys targeting in eastern New Mexico.
Collection methodology
The has been targeted using 'jug traps' baited with sweet red wine and ethanol mixtures. These traps use propylene glycol as a preservative and wicked bottles to release fermentation volatiles that attract . The New Mexico specimens were collected or expected from traps placed in late May and serviced in late June 2024.
Nomenclatural note
The specific epithet 'opacus' (Latin for dull, opaque, or dark) contrasts with the typically vivid coloration of many Purpuricenus , suggesting this species is notably less brightly colored than .