Phyllobrotica lengi
Blatchley, 1910
Phyllobrotica lengi is an exceptionally rare to eastern North America. First described by Blatchley in 1910, this remained virtually unknown in Missouri until a small series was collected in 1988 on Scutellaria parvula. It is one of the rarest in Missouri, with only four historical specimens known prior to the 1988 collection. Like other Phyllobrotica species, it is an extreme , feeding exclusively on skullcap plants (Scutellaria).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phyllobrotica lengi: /ˌfɪloʊˈbroʊtɪkə ˈlɛndʒaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
P. lengi can be distinguished from other Phyllobrotica by its specific association with Scutellaria parvula and its geographic distribution in east-central Missouri. It is most similar to P. nigritarsis and P. circumdata, but differs in subtle morphological features and preferences. No online images of this species existed prior to 2019.
Habitat
Dry prairies and open where the Scutellaria parvula occurs. Unlike most Phyllobrotica that inhabit wet bottomlands, P. lengi is associated with drier prairie environments.
Distribution
Known from east-central Missouri, USA. Historical records from the late 1800s and a small series collected in 1988. The ' full range may extend more broadly in the central United States, but remains poorly documented due to its rarity.
Seasonality
have been collected in late spring. The 1988 collection occurred during the growing season of its Scutellaria parvula.
Diet
feed on leaves of Scutellaria parvula (small skullcap), a mint . Larval diet unknown but presumed to be root-feeding on the same .
Host Associations
- Scutellaria parvula - feeding and likely larval developmentSmall skullcap; the only confirmed
Behavior
are found on foliage. Like other Phyllobrotica , likely drops to the ground when disturbed.
Ecological Role
specializing on skullcap plants. As a rare , contributes to and may serve as an indicator of intact prairie .
Human Relevance
Of scientific interest due to extreme rarity. Collected for scientific study and museum collections. No economic importance.
Similar Taxa
- Phyllobrotica nigritarsisAlso rare in Missouri, collected on same Scutellaria parvula in same region; differs in subtle morphological features
- Phyllobrotica circumdataRare Missouri also associated with Scutellaria, but on S. incana in eastern counties
- Phyllobrotica limbataMost common Missouri Phyllobrotica, distinguished by regular occurrence on Scutellaria ovata and S. lateriflora in wetter
More Details
Rarity and Documentation
One of the rarest in Missouri. Prior to 1988, known from only four specimens collected in the late 1800s. The 1988 collection by Rev. James Sullivan on Scutellaria parvula in east-central Missouri represented a significant range extension and the first confirmed modern records. No photographic documentation existed online until 2019.
Host Plant Specialization
Exhibits the extreme specialization characteristic of Phyllobrotica. Unlike most that feed on Scutellaria in wet bottomlands, P. lengi occurs in dry prairie on S. parvula, suggesting to drier conditions similar to its sister species P. physostegiae.