Stenaspis solitaria
(Say, 1824)
Stenaspis solitaria is a longhorn beetle in the Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from various woody including Acacia species and Baccharis sarothroides. Field observations indicate are active during summer months, particularly July and August, and are often found by beating vegetation or sweeping flowering plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenaspis solitaria: /stɛˈnaːspɪs soʊˈlɪtəriə/
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Habitat
Has been collected from desert thorn-scrub and oak-juniper woodland areas in southeastern Arizona. Specific microhabitats include stands of Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom), washes with Acacia rigidula (sweet acacia) in full bloom, and mesquite vegetation. Collections have occurred at elevations ranging from desert flats to approximately 7000 feet in mountain canyons.
Distribution
Recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona) and Mexico. Specific localities in Arizona include the Chiricahua Mountains (Cave Creek Canyon, vicinity Portal), Santa Rita Mountains (Box Canyon, Madera Canyon), Huachuca Mountains ( Canyon, Ramsey Canyon), and areas near Tombstone, Continental, and Naco. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.
Seasonality
have been observed and collected during July and August in Arizona. Activity appears to coincide with summer monsoon season and flowering of plants such as Mimosa dysocarpa and Acacia .
Host Associations
- Acacia rigidula - feedingCollected on sweet acacia in full bloom; observed on foliage and flowers
- Acacia greggii - feedingBeaten from catclaw acacia
- Baccharis sarothroides - occurrenceFound sitting in foliage; also associated with Tragidion on same
- Mimosa dysocarpa - feedingBeaten from velvetpod mimosa when in bloom
- Prosopis glandulosa - occurrenceBeaten from mesquite
Behavior
are active during daylight hours and have been collected by beating vegetation with a stick and net, as well as by sweeping flowering plants. Individuals have been observed as singletons and in mating pairs. The appears to be associated with flowering or sapping plants, and has been found alongside other cerambycid species such as Stenaspis verticalis and Trachyderes mandibularis.
Similar Taxa
- Stenaspis verticalisBoth occur sympatrically in Arizona and have been collected from the same plant (Baccharis sarothroides). S. verticalis has been distinguished by annulated in mating pairs, though specific diagnostic characters separating the two species require examination of morphological details not provided in field accounts.
- Trachyderes mandibularisCo-occurs on similar (Baccharis sarothroides, Acacia ) in the same region and type; both are large, conspicuous cerambycids that can be found by beating desert vegetation.
- Dendrobias mandibularisFound in similar and collected using same methods (beating Baccharis sarothroides); distinguished by different coloration and mandibular structure.
More Details
Collection methods
Most records derive from targeted beating of living plants rather than blacklight trapping. The has been collected in company with diverse including buprestids (Acmaeodera, Agrilus, Hippomelas, Gyascutus), other cerambycids (Tetraopes, Rhopalophora, Lepturges, Aneflus), and scarabs (Euphoria, Chalcolepidius).
Taxonomic note
Originally described as Callichroma solitarius by Say in 1824, later transferred to Stenaspis. The Stenaspis is classified in the tribe Trachyderini, Cerambycinae.