Parandra
Latreille, 1804
Species Guides
1Parandra is a of longhorned beetles in the Cerambycidae, Parandrinae. It represents one of the more primitive lineages within Cerambycidae, characterized by short, equal-segmented rather than the elongated antennae typical of most longhorned beetles. The genus contains more than 20 described distributed primarily in the Americas, with some species extending into Africa. North American species are uncommon and poorly known, with most records coming from blacklight collections in bottomland forests.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Parandra: /pəˈrændrə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Parandra are distinguished from other longhorned beetles by their short, equal-segmented and pentamerous with slender, padless segments. The body is typically reddish-brown, parallel-sided, and somewhat flattened, with large, forward-projecting that show (larger in males). The pronotum is margined, a character shared with stag beetles (Lucanidae) to which they bear superficial resemblance. The are entire on the inner margin, distinguishing Parandra from the related Neandra, which has distinctly eyes.
Images
Habitat
Wet bottomland forests, particularly in riparian zones along major rivers. Based on limited collection records, appear to be associated with mature hardwood forests in lowland areas.
Distribution
The occurs in the Americas from the United States through Central and South America, with some in Africa. In North America, records are sparse and scattered, with documented occurrences in the Mississippi River valley (Illinois, Missouri) and southeastern United States.
Behavior
have been observed crawling with urgency but making no attempt to fly when disturbed. They are attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.
Human Relevance
Of minimal direct economic importance. The is of interest to coleopterists due to its phylogenetic position as a primitive member of Cerambycidae and its unusual that converges on stag beetles.
Similar Taxa
- Neandra brunneaSimilar reddish-brown coloration, body shape, and structure, but distinguished by (notched) inner margins and sickle-shaped mandibles that are well separated at the base rather than triangular and contiguous.
- Lucanidae (stag beetles)Superficially similar appearance due to reddish-brown coloration, large forward-projecting , and margined pronotum, but distinguished by straight (not elbowed) and other cerambycid characters.