Pelonides
Kuwert, 1894
Species Guides
4- Pelonides granulatipennis
- Pelonides humeralis
- Pelonides quadrinotata(checkered beetle)
- Pelonides quadripunctata(four-spotted checkered beetle)
Pelonides is a of checkered beetles in the Cleridae, established by Kuwert in 1894. The genus comprises approximately six to seven described distributed in North America. Members of this genus are small beetles typically found on flowers, particularly milkweeds (Asclepias species), where they have been documented feeding on pollen and nectar alongside other flower-visiting beetles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pelonides: /ˌpɛlɵˈniːdɛs/
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Images
Distribution
North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States including Arizona (Chiricahua Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains) and Oklahoma. Specific distributions vary: Pelonides humeralis has been recorded in Arizona, while other species occur across broader North American ranges.
Diet
Pollen and nectar of flowers, particularly milkweeds (Asclepias ). One Pelonides humeralis specimen was observed on Asclepias flowers at the Southwestern Research Station in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona.
Host Associations
- Asclepias - flower visitor/feeding sitenarrow-leaved milkweed; observed at Southwestern Research Station, Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona
Behavior
are flower visitors, frequently found on milkweed inflorescences in association with other beetles including cerambycids and lycids.
Ecological Role
Flower visitor that likely contributes to pollination while feeding on pollen and nectar; part of the diverse associated with milkweed flowers in southwestern North American .
Similar Taxa
- EnoclerusBoth are clerid with checkered coloration patterns; Enoclerus is generally more commonly encountered and diverse, with often found on bark and foliage rather than primarily on flowers
- CymatoderaAnother clerid with somewhat similar body form; Cymatodera are often more elongate and associated with different plants including Baccharis