Cymatodera aegra-complex

checkered beetle

The Cymatodera aegra-complex comprises a group of checkered beetles in the Cleridae, Tillinae. These beetles are known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where they have been collected in association with desert thorn-scrub vegetation. Members of this complex are morphologically similar and may represent a cryptic requiring further taxonomic study.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cymatodera aegra-complex: /sɪməˈtoʊdərə ˈaɪɡrəˌkɒmplɛks/

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Habitat

Desert thorn-scrub with sweet acacia (Acacia rigidula) and creosote (Larrea tridentata) vegetation.

Distribution

Southwestern United States (Arizona) and adjacent northern Mexico.

Seasonality

Active during summer monsoon season (July–August).

Host Associations

  • Acacia rigidula - collected onsweet acacia, in full bloom during observation

Similar Taxa

  • Other Cymatodera speciesMorphologically similar; distinguished by subtle differences in elytral pattern and male genitalia, requiring expert examination

Tags

Sources and further reading