Desmiphora hirticollis

(Olivier, 1795)

A () in the Lamiinae, characterized by dense tufts of hairs that provide remarkable against tree bark. are strictly and hide on the undersides of freshly cut logs during daylight hours. The occurs from southern Texas through South America, with documented associations with trees in the Boraginaceae as larval .

Desmiphora hirticollis by Jorge Merchán. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Desmiphora hirticollis: //dɛzˈmɪfɔːrɑː ˌhɜːtɪˈkɒlɪs//

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

Identification

Recognizable by the -level trait of fasciculate tufts (pencils) of or suberect hairs on the body. Specifically identified by ( brownish-black) and small black pencils positioned just before the elytral . The hair tufts break up the body outline, making nearly invisible against bark when viewed from above.

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Habitat

Found in forested areas, particularly in association with freshly cut wood and logs. In Argentina, observed in Selva Paranaense (Paraná forest) . specifically encountered on cut logs of guayaibi (Patagonula americana, Boraginaceae).

Distribution

Southern Texas (north to Corpus Christi) south through Mexico, Central America, and South America to Bolivia and Argentina. Also recorded from the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Caribbean.

Host Associations

  • Patagonula americana - LARVAL_HOSTAll observed in Corrientes, Argentina were found on cut logs of this , suggesting it serves as larval .
  • Cordia spp. - LARVAL_HOST frequently collected on this in Texas; adults reared from Cordia eleagnoides.
  • Ehretia anacua - LARVAL_HOST collected on this in Texas.
  • Sapium sp. - LARVAL_HOST described from specimens collected from this .

Life Cycle

develop as wood-borers in trees. emerge and are attracted to freshly cut wood , where they hide on undersides of logs during daylight.

Behavior

Strictly ; hide motionless on undersides of logs during the day. When disturbed, remain motionless, relying on for defense.

Ecological Role

Wood-boring whose develop in living or recently dead hardwood trees. contribute to through association with decaying wood.

Similar Taxa

  • Desmiphora fasciculataAlso possesses dense hair tufts and has been suggested to mimic hairy ; however, D. fasciculata is and found on foliage rather than strictly and bark-dwelling.

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