Phyllobaenus obscurus

(Gorham, 1883)

checkered beetle

Phyllobaenus obscurus is a checkered beetle ( Cleridae) notable as the first documented case of a acting as a of ants. Larvae develop inside intact cocoons of two in the Ectatomma ruidum , feeding on or pupae and eventually killing the . This parasitoid lifestyle represents a significant departure from typical clerid , which centers on of wood-boring beetles. The species has been documented in Pacific coastal plains of Oaxaca, Mexico, where of is extremely low (<0.6% of available cocoons).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phyllobaenus obscurus: /fɪˌloʊˈbiːnəs əbˈskjʊrəs/

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Habitat

Subterranean colonies, specifically within intact cocoons of Ectatomma ants. Colonies are excavated from soil in coastal plain environments.

Distribution

Pacific coastal plains of Oaxaca, Mexico (documented collection sites). The identity was confirmed through COI gene sequencing matching Phyllobaenus obscurus (Gorham), suggesting the species may have a broader distribution, but the has been documented only in this Mexican region.

Diet

of ; larvae develop inside ant cocoons feeding on ant or pupae, resulting in death. feeding habits have not been explicitly documented for this .

Host Associations

  • Ectatomma ruidum sp. 3 - Larvae develop inside intact cocoons, feeding on /pupae
  • Ectatomma ruidum sp. 4 - Larvae develop inside intact cocoons, feeding on /pupae

Life Cycle

are likely laid away from , following the typical clerid pattern. First-instar larvae locate and enter cocoons. Campodeiform larvae ( , three pairs of segmented legs, no , sparse but long ) develop inside intact cocoons. One observed larva emerged from a cocoon through a round exit hole and was successfully reared to adulthood in captivity.

Behavior

Larvae develop inside intact cocoons without destroying the cocoon structure until . of is extremely low (<0.6% of available cocoons). This represents a novel exploitation strategy for Cleridae, diverging from the 's typical adaptations.

Ecological Role

of ; potential agent or regulator of Ectatomma ants, though extremely low limits population-level impact. Represents a unique trophic interaction between beetles and social insects.

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Sources and further reading