Poecilocera
Schaeffer, 1919
Species Guides
1Poecilocera is a of aquatic leaf beetles in the Chrysomelidae, containing the single Poecilocera harrisii. The genus was established by Schaeffer in 1919. The name has been used historically in both Coleoptera and Orthoptera, creating taxonomic confusion.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Poecilocera: /ˌpɔɪsɪloʊˈsɛrə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other aquatic Chrysomelidae by its status and association with the P. harrisii. The genus name Poecilocera has been applied to unrelated orthopteran (now Poekilocerus), requiring careful attention to authorship and placement for correct identification.
Images
Habitat
Aquatic environments; specific microhabitat requirements for P. harrisii not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- PoekilocerusHistorical confusion due to similar spelling; Poekilocerus is an orthopteran (grasshoppers) in Pyrgomorphidae, while Poecilocera is a coleopteran genus (leaf beetles) in Chrysomelidae. The names were formerly used interchangeably or as variants.
Misconceptions
The name Poecilocera has been mistakenly applied to orthopteran research. A 1975 study on 'Poecilocera picta' learning actually refers to a now classified under Poekilocerus (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae), not the aquatic leaf beetle genus Poecilocera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).