Deretaphrus
Newman, 1842
Species Guides
1Deretaphrus is a of dry bark beetles ( Bothrideridae) comprising 25 with a highly disjunct distribution centered on Australia. The genus was established in 1842 by Edward Newman based on specimens from Port Phillip, Australia. Most species (22) occur in Australia, with single species in New Caledonia, Bolivia, and western North America. The larvae are of woodboring , while appear to consume plant material.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Deretaphrus: /dɛrɛˈtafrʊs/
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Habitat
Associated with tree bark. occur under bark or on bark surfaces at night. Larvae develop under bark where their are found.
Distribution
Primarily Australian: 22 described from Australia. Disjunct include D. oregonensis in western North America (Pacific Northwest to California, plus British Columbia), D. interruptus in New Caledonia, and D. boliviensis in Bolivia. The South American distribution may be wider than currently known.
Diet
Larvae feed on cerambycid and buprestid woodboring as . gut contents indicate plant material consumption.
Host Associations
- Cerambycidae - larvae feed on woodboring
- Buprestidae - larvae feed on woodboring
Life Cycle
First instar larva is a mobile adapted to locate . Later instars become typical - found under bark. Final instar spins a silken cocoon for —an unusual trait among beetles whose silk source (mouth or anal glands) remains undetermined.
Behavior
are on bark surfaces. Attracted to light traps. Larvae actively seek using .
Ecological Role
Ectoparasitoid of woodboring beetles, potentially regulating of cerambycid and buprestid pests in woody .
Similar Taxa
- BothrideresHistorically confused with Deretaphrus; early Deretaphrus were reassigned to this . Both belong to Bothrideridae and share bark-associated habits.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Newman's original 1842 description included four , but only D. fossus remains in Deretaphrus; D. puteus, D. illusus, and D. vittatus were moved to Bothrideres. The 2013 revision by Lord and McHugh recognized 25 species plus three undescribed Australian .
Biogeographic puzzle
The distribution pattern—Australian center with isolated in North America, New Caledonia, and South America—has been described as 'very odd' by taxonomists. The mechanism maintaining this disjunction remains unexplained.