Longitarsus melanurus
(Melsheimer, 1847)
Longitarsus melanurus is a flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1847. It belongs to the Longitarsus, a diverse group of small leaf beetles characterized by their enlarged hind adapted for jumping. The is documented from North America, with specific records from Canadian provinces including Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. As with most members of its genus, it likely feeds on plant material, though specific associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Longitarsus melanurus: //lɒn.d͡ʒɪˈtɑː.səs mɛˈlæ.nʊr.əs//
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Identification
Members of the Longitarsus are distinguished from other flea beetles by their elongated hind and the structure of the tarsal claws. Specific diagnostic features for L. melanurus are not well documented in accessible literature. Identification to level in this genus generally requires examination of male genitalia or detailed comparison of subtle morphological characters including punctation patterns on the , antennal proportions, and body proportions.
Distribution
North America. Documented from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. The full extent of its range within North America is not comprehensively mapped.
Similar Taxa
- Other Longitarsus speciesThe Longitarsus contains numerous morphologically similar , many of which require dissection or specialized taxonomic expertise to distinguish. L. melanurus may be confused with sharing similar size, coloration, and body form.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'melanurus' (from Greek 'melanos' black + 'oura' tail) likely refers to dark coloration of the or terminal body segments, a common naming convention in this .