Tetraopes sublaevis

Casey, 1913

Tetraopes sublaevis is a of longhorn beetle in the Lamiinae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1913. Like other members of the Tetraopes, it is a milkweed . The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its and distribution within North America remain poorly documented compared to better-known such as T. tetraophthalmus and T. texanus.

Tetraopes sublaevis by (c) Chris Brown, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Chris Brown. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetraopes sublaevis: //tɛˈtrɛ.əʊpiːz sʌbˈliːvɪs//

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

Identification

Tetraopes sublaevis can be distinguished from other Tetraopes by the specific epithet "sublaevis," which refers to its somewhat smooth (less hairy) compared to the densely pubescent T. pilosus. Accurate identification to species level in this typically requires examination of antennal structure, particularly the form of the terminal antennomere, and subtle differences in coloration and body proportions. The completely divided —separated by antennal insertions into upper and lower lobes, giving the appearance of "four eyes"—is a genus-level character shared by all Tetraopes.

Images

Distribution

United States. Specific state or regional records are not documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Tetraopes tetraophthalmusThe common is widespread and similar in general appearance, but typically has more extensive black markings on the and different antennal proportions.
Tetraopes pilosusThe hairy is densely covered with white and associated with sand milkweed (Asclepias arenaria), whereas T. sublaevis is described as relatively smooth (sublaevis = somewhat smooth).
Tetraopes texanusShares the red and black color pattern but has an abruptly attenuate last antennomere that distinguishes it from similar-appearing .

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet "sublaevis" derives from Latin, meaning somewhat or nearly smooth, presumably in reference to the relatively glabrous compared to the conspicuously hairy T. pilosus.

Taxonomic History

Described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1913, a prolific American coleopterist who described numerous Cerambycidae in the early 20th century.