Sternidius

LeConte, 1873

Sternidius is a of flat-faced (: Lamiinae: Acanthocinini) established by LeConte in 1873. The genus contains at least 20 described distributed in North America. Sternidius alpha, a broadly distributed and highly variable species, has been the subject of molecular studies revealing cryptic genetic diversity among color previously treated as .

Sternidius alpha by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Sternidius decorus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.Sternidius decorus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sternidius: //stɛrˈnɪdiʊs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

of Sternidius are small that are typically pointed rather than pinned due to their size. Members of this can be distinguished from similar small lamiines by their flat facial structure and the characteristic body form typical of the Acanthocinini. The genus has experienced taxonomic instability, with species previously synonymized under S. alpha later revalidated.

Images

Habitat

Sternidius have been collected from , including New Mexico (Robinia neomexicana) in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. They appear to be associated with deciduous trees and shrubs in forested and semi-forested environments.

Distribution

North America, with records from the western Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, including Colorado. Distribution records also include Vermont and other parts of the United States.

Seasonality

have been observed in mid-to-late June in Colorado, suggesting peak activity during early summer.

Similar Taxa

  • LepturoboscaFormerly treated as a separate or included different , with taxonomic revisions affecting species placement between these genera
  • CosmosaliaRelated of flat-faced longhorns with which Sternidius shares Lamiinae; historical taxonomic changes have affected assignments between these groups

Tags

Sources and further reading