Typocerus lugubris
(Say, 1824)
Mournful Long-horned Beetle
Typocerus lugubris is a of flower longhorn in the , Lepturinae. It is distinguished from other Typocerus species by its entirely black coloration without markings. are active during June and July and have been observed visiting flowers, including Hydrangea arborescens and Saururus cernuus, where they feed on pollen. The species occurs in eastern North America, with records from Missouri and surrounding regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Typocerus lugubris: /taɪˈpoʊsərəs luˈɡjuːbrɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The all-black coloration makes this distinctive within the Typocerus. Two other mostly black Missouri species, T. lunulatus and T. zebra, always bear blotches in the area of the or exhibit yellow transverse respectively. T. confluens can vary to nearly black but is more , has hairs on the , and lacks poriferous areas on 6. Remaining Typocerus species are chestnut colored with distinct transverse yellow banding.
Images
Appearance
are entirely black without any markings on the . Body has the narrow-necked, broad-shouldered appearance characteristic of the Lepturinae. Elytra are strongly tapering. is strongly basally depressed. Antennal are apically produced with distinct poriferous areas.
Habitat
Found in association with flowers in woodland and glade . Documented from Trail of Tears State Park in mesic forest with wild hydrangea, and from glade/woodland interfaces.
Distribution
Eastern North America. Documented from Missouri (Trail of Tears State Park, Valley View Glades, Victoria Glades), with broader distribution across eastern United States and Canada (Ontario).
Seasonality
active June through July. Peak activity coincides with flowering period of plants.
Diet
feed on pollen from flowers. Documented visiting Hydrangea arborescens and Saururus cernuus.
Host Associations
- Hydrangea arborescens - flower observed feeding on flowers
- Saururus cernuus - flower Mating and pollen feeding observed
Behavior
are and attracted to flowers. Mating has been observed on Saururus cernuus, with females consuming pollen from the .
Ecological Role
function as while feeding on pollen. Larval unknown, but of related Lepturinae typically develop in decaying wood.
Similar Taxa
- Typocerus velutinusMost similar ; distinguished by distinct, well-delimited transverse elytral versus all-black coloration of T. lugubris
- Typocerus lunulatusMostly black but always bears blotches in area of
- Typocerus zebraMostly black but exhibits transverse
- Typocerus confluensCan be nearly black but more , with pronotal hairs and lacking poriferous areas on 6
More Details
Larval biology
Larval and development remain unknown, as is typical for many Lepturinae .
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Leptura lugubris by Say in 1824.