Dorcasina
Casey, 1913
Species Guides
2Dorcasina is a of longhorn beetles in the Cerambycidae, Lepturinae. The genus contains two described : Dorcasina grossa and Dorcasina matthewsii, both described by LeConte in the late 19th century. As members of the tribe Lepturini, these beetles are flower-visiting cerambycids. The genus was established by Casey in 1913.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dorcasina: /dɔɹˈkæsɪnə/
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Identification
Dorcasina can be distinguished from other Lepturini by a combination of morphological characters including body form and antennal structure. Specific diagnostic features for the genus require examination of and detailed morphological analysis. The two species, D. grossa and D. matthewsii, differ in size and specific structural proportions.
Distribution
North America. The is known from the western United States and Canada, with D. grossa and D. matthewsii recorded from California and adjacent regions.
Behavior
As members of Lepturini, Dorcasina have been observed visiting flowers. This flower-visiting is characteristic of the tribe and facilitates feeding on pollen and nectar.
Ecological Role
Flower visitors that likely contribute to pollination of their plants. As with other Lepturini, they may serve as in forest and woodland where they occur.
Similar Taxa
- LepturaBoth are in tribe Lepturini and share flower-visiting ; Dorcasina differs in antennal proportions and body shape
- StrangaliaSimilar elongate body form and flower association; Dorcasina is distinguished by specific antennal and pronotal characters
- StenostrophiaOverlapping geographic range and flower-visiting habit; Dorcasina has distinct elytral and antennal ratios
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Dorcasina was erected by Thomas L. Casey in 1913 to accommodate previously placed in other genera. Both included species were originally described in the genus Leptura by John L. LeConte (D. matthewsii in 1869, D. grossa in 1873).
Observations
As of the data source, iNaturalist records 165 observations for the , indicating it is occasionally encountered but not commonly reported by citizen scientists.