Trichocnemis
LeConte, 1851
Trichocnemis is a of longhorn () in the Prioninae. The genus contains two distributed in western North America: Trichocnemis pauper and Trichocnemis spiculatus (the ponderosus borer). Historically, species of Trichocnemis have often been treated as members of the genus Ergates, but modern taxonomic treatments separate them based on morphological differences including size, shape, and length. The of T. spiculatus are notable wood-borers in ponderosa pine and inspired improvements to chainsaw design.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trichocnemis: /trɪkoʊkˈniːmɪs/
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Identification
Trichocnemis is distinguished from the related Ergates by a proportionally smaller , shorter , and that are less than half the length of the head and curve inward. in this genus have large, elongated bodies in of , usually with lighter . They possess small heads with large . These morphological differences in body and leg structure are used by authors who recognize Trichocnemis as a separate genus.
Images
Distribution
Western North America from southwestern Canada to Baja California.
Host Associations
- Pinus ponderosa - larval of T. spiculatus are wood-borers in ponderosa pine
Life Cycle
are wood-borers that develop in dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly ponderosa pine. Larvae possess large, opposable adapted for gnawing through wood. The larval stage is notably large; mature larvae and can be found in pupal within the wood of trees.
Ecological Role
As wood-boring , contribute to the decomposition of dead and dying coniferous trees. The serves as for certain , including Cerceris fumipennis, which paralyzes and provisions nests with .
Human Relevance
The larval of Trichocnemis spiculatus inspired a significant technological innovation. In 1947, Joe Cox of Portland, Oregon, observed the opposable mandibles of the wood-boring and developed a new chainsaw chain design with alternating 'right' and 'left' cutting . This design, manufactured initially as Oregon Sawchain Corporation and later Omark Industries, became an international standard. The is commonly known as the 'ponderosus borer' or 'ponderosa borer' reflecting its association with ponderosa pine.
Similar Taxa
- ErgatesHistorically treated as congeneric; separated by Trichocnemis having proportionally smaller , shorter , and differently shaped
- PrionusBoth are large prionine with wood-boring ; Prionus are generally larger with more bodies and males have strongly