Pidonia nitidicollis

(Horn, 1860)

A small black and yellow longhorn beetle in the Lepturinae. have been observed visiting flowers of various herbaceous plants in western North America. The is currently accepted under this name, though some sources list it as a synonym of Pidonia ruficollis.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pidonia nitidicollis: //pɪˈdoʊ.ni.ə nɪˌtɪ.dɪˈkɒ.lɪs//

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

Identification

Small lepturine cerambycid with black and yellow coloration. Distinguished from similar Pidonia by the shiny (nitid) pronotum referenced in the specific epithet. are active flower visitors and may be found on Asteraceae and Malvaceae in appropriate .

Habitat

Open woodland and forest edge with flowering herbaceous vegetation. Associated with ponderosa pine/juniper woodland transitions and areas with abundant blooming forbs.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island) and western United States including Arizona and Utah.

Seasonality

active in late spring to early summer; field observations from June indicate peak activity during this period.

Behavior

are flower visitors, observed on blossoms of Hymenopappus filifolius, Sphaeralcea ambigua, and other herbaceous plants.

Ecological Role

Likely contributes to pollination of visited flowers. Larval unknown but presumably involves decaying wood or plant material given characteristics.

Similar Taxa

  • Pidonia spp.Other small black/yellow lepturines in the require careful examination of pronotal and elytral pattern for separation.

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Sources and further reading