Lexiphanes saponatus
(Fabricius, 1801)
Lexiphanes saponatus is a case-bearing in the . It was the first Nearctic member of the Cryptocephalinae to have its stages described. The exhibits distinctive larval including the ability to climb and move on its , unlike most other Cryptocephalinae which are confined to leaf litter. Its larva displays remarkable by mimicking plant .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lexiphanes saponatus: //lɛkˈsɪ.fə.niːz ˌsæp.əˈneɪ.təs//
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Identification
distinguished from related by large papillose frontal , particularly from the Palearctic Suffrianus. identified by characteristic on seventh and ninth abdominal . identification features not specified in available sources.
Appearance
: Not described in available sources. : Coated with oblique ornamentations typical of Cryptocephalinae. : Distinguished by large papillate frontal ; capable of climbing on vegetation. : Resembles Chlamisinae in general form but bears distinctive projections on the seventh and ninth abdominal .
Habitat
Associated with Cassandra calyculata. are found on the host plant itself, not in leaf litter as is typical for other Cryptocephalinae.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick in Canada.
Seasonality
activity period not specified. overwinter in first or second .
Diet
Feeds on Cassandra calyculata.
Host Associations
- Cassandra calyculata - moves on and mimics of this
Life Cycle
, (at least two ), , . Overwinters as larva in first or second instar. Whether development completes in one growing season or requires a second period remains uncertain.
Behavior
climbs and moves freely on , unlike other Cryptocephalinae larvae which cannot climb and live in leaf litter. Larva mimics host plant with that renders it nearly invisible to human observation.
Similar Taxa
- Suffrianus shows morphological resemblances but distinguished by large papillate frontal
- Chlamisinae resembles in general form but distinguished by projections on seventh and ninth abdominal
- Other Cryptocephalinae distinguished by climbing ability and -dwelling habit; other Cryptocephalinae larvae live in leaf litter and cannot climb plants
More Details
Taxonomic significance
First Nearctic Cryptocephalinae with described stages, providing important comparative data for .
Life cycle uncertainty
Whether the has a one-year or two-year remains unresolved; some other Cryptocephalinae overwinter twice as .