Xanthonia furcata

Staines & Weisman, 2001

Xanthonia furcata is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, described by Staines & Weisman in 2001. The is found in the southern and eastern United States, with documented records from Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. It is associated with wild cherry (Prunus spp.) and oaks (Quercus spp.) as plants. The specific epithet 'furcata' derives from Latin 'furca,' meaning 'fork,' though the morphological feature this refers to is not explicitly described in available sources.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xanthonia furcata: /zænˈθoʊniə fɜrˈkeɪtə/

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Identification

Xanthonia furcata measures 2.8–3.5 mm in length. The are reddish brown with darker spots. Differentiation from other Xanthonia requires examination of male genitalia; the species was described in 2001 based on structural characters that distinguish it from .

Habitat

Associated with wild cherry and oak trees; specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.

Distribution

United States: Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. The occurs in the southern and eastern United States.

Diet

Associated with wild cherry (Prunus spp.) and oaks (Quercus spp.); feeding habits have not been directly observed.

Host Associations

  • Prunus spp. - associated withwild cherry
  • Quercus spp. - associated withoaks

Similar Taxa

  • Other Xanthonia speciesXanthonia furcata is distinguished from by male genitalia; external alone is insufficient for identification to .

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Sources and further reading