Ataxia hubbardi
Fisher, 1924
Ataxia hubbardi is a () described by Warren Samuel Fisher in 1924. The is distributed across the United States and Mexico. are active in fall and have been observed on flower stalks of plants. A distinctive associated with prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) in Missouri dolomite glades exhibits smaller, darker, and narrower body proportions compared to typical individuals.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ataxia hubbardi: /əˈtæksiə ˈhʌbɑrdi/
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Identification
may be distinguished from similar Ataxia by association with specific plants; the prairie dock-associated in Missouri is notably smaller, darker, and more slender than typical individuals found on sunflower and other common hosts.
Images
Habitat
Prairie glades, particularly dolomite glades in Missouri; also found in association with herbaceous plants in eastern and central United States.
Distribution
United States and Mexico.
Seasonality
Fall; most abundant on flower stalks during autumn months.
Diet
bore into living tissues of herbaceous plants, particularly in Asteraceae including Helianthus, , and Silphium.
Host Associations
- Silphium terebinthinaceum - larval Prairie dock in Missouri glades; observed on tall flower stalks
- Helianthus - larval Sunflower and related
- Ambrosia - larval Ragweed
Life Cycle
bore into tap-roots of living plants; emerge in fall and have been observed on flower stalks, presumably for -laying.
Behavior
cling to flower stalks of plants during fall activity period.
Ecological Role
; larval boring activity affects living tissues of herbaceous plants.
Human Relevance
Considered a pest in sunflower in the southern Great Plains.
Similar Taxa
- Ataxia cryptaSimilar and ; differentiation requires examination of association and subtle morphological differences
- Other Ataxia species-level similarity; specific identification often requires association and geographic context