Thricolema anomala
Crotch, 1874
Thricolema anomala is a rare leaf beetle in the Synetinae, to the western United States. It is the sole in its , distinguished from the related genus Syneta by the simple tarsal claws of females. Adults are associated with incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens). The species is known from only a handful of records in California, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thricolema anomala: //ˌθraɪkoʊˈliːmə əˈnɒmələ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
resemble members of the Syneta but can be distinguished by tarsal claw : adult females of Thricolema have simple (undivided) tarsal claws, whereas both sexes of Syneta possess bifid (forked) claws. The body is elongated and fibrous in texture.
Habitat
Associated with incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) forests.
Distribution
Western North America: known from California and Oregon in the United States, with one record from British Columbia, Canada.
Host Associations
- Calocedrus decurrens - associated withincense cedar
Similar Taxa
- SynetaSimilar elongated, fibrous body form; distinguished by bifid tarsal claws in both sexes versus simple claws in female Thricolema
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
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