Languriini

Hope, 1840

Lizard Beetles

Genus Guides

Acropteroxys(slender lizard beetle)
Dasydactylus
Languria(lizard beetles)
Langurites(lizard beetles)

Languriini is a tribe of lizard in the Erotylidae containing approximately 5 and at least 20 described . are typically found on leaves and flowers, where they feed on pollen. Larvae are stem borers that tunnel into living but decaying stems, branches, or twigs of various plants, with documented associations spanning 18 plant families. The tribe is distributed across the Oriental, Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Australian regions. Some species are considered agricultural pests, particularly in palm and bamboo .

Languria trifasciata by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Languria trifasciata by (c) drnancyjackson, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Languriini: /læŋˈɡjʊərɪˌaɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

are generally long and parallel-sided with a red or reddish . Body length ranges from small to medium (approximately 5–10 mm). typically have an elongate-oval terminal antennomere. The pronotum shape varies by and sex; males of some genera exhibit more strongly convex and broadly rounded pronotum. Terminal tarsomere is distinctly broadened apically in some genera such as Serralanguria. Most are glabrous or nearly so, lacking metallic luster.

Images

Habitat

occur on leaves and flowers of plants. Larvae inhabit decaying pith within living stems, branches, or twigs of monocot and dicot plants. Forested mountain landscapes at elevations of 800–1000 m have been documented for some in southern China.

Distribution

Oriental, Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Australian regions. Specific documented localities include China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan), Taiwan, Malaysia, India (Assam), Philippines, and Malaya Peninsula.

Diet

Larvae feed on decaying pith of monocot and dicot plants. feed on pollen.

Host Associations

Arecaceae (palms) - larval 9 , 22 including Areca, Arenga, Calamus, Caryota, Cocos, Phoenix, Trachycarpus, Livistona, Elaeis
Poaceae (bamboos and grasses) - larval 13 , 21 including Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Gigantochloa, Phyllostachys, Pleioblastus, Pseudosasa, Sasa, Schizostachyum, Sinocalamus, Thysanolaena, Arundo, Miscanthus, Phragmites
Zingiberaceae - larval Alpinia, Hedychium
Musaceae - larval Musa
Orchidaceae - larval Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis
Adoxaceae - larval Sambucus chinensis (documented for Tetraphala collaris in Taiwan)
Pteridaceae - larval Pteris wallichiana (documented for Tetraphala sp. in Taiwan)
Asteraceae - larval Artemisia, Chrysanthemum, Dendranthema
Lamiaceae - larval Leonurus
Fabaceae - larval Dalbergia, Pueraria
Rutaceae - larval Citrus
Rosaceae - larval Rosa
Araceae - larval Colocasia, Cyrtosperma
Cyperaceae - larval Cyperus
Lythraceae - larval Lagerstroemia
Malvaceae - larval Hibiscus
Menispermaceae - larval Tinospora
Moraceae - larval Ficus
Myrtaceae - larval Psidium
Vitaceae - larval Vitis

Life Cycle

Females excavate living leafstalks and stems using their to create oviposition holes. are deposited inside or near these holes. Early-instar larvae remain near oviposition sites; late-instar larvae tunnel deeper into stems and feed on decaying pith. occurs within the plant tunnels. emerge and disperse to flowers. Multiple per year are possible in tropical and subtropical regions.

Behavior

Larvae are specialized stem borers, tunneling into living but decaying plant tissue. Females use their to excavate oviposition sites in leafstalks and stems. actively forage on flowers for pollen. Some show strong preference for specific plant , particularly palms and bamboos.