Tetraopes sublaevis

Casey, 1913

Tetraopes sublaevis is a of longhorn in the Lamiinae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1913. Like other members of the Tetraopes, it is a . The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and distribution within North America remain poorly documented compared to betterknown 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//

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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 T. pilosus. Accurate identification to species level in this typically requires examination of antennal structure, particularly the form of the , 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 genuslevel character shared by all Tetraopes.

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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 and associated with sand (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 that distinguishes it from similarappearing .

More Details

Etymology

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

Taxonomic History

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

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Sources and further reading