Languria taedata
LeConte, 1854
lizard beetle
Languria taedata is a polymorphic distributed along the eastern coast of North America. are dark, elongate measuring 9–11 mm. The species exhibits notable color variation, including a distinctive all- form ('Form C') found primarily along the western Gulf Coast—the first such form documented in the . develop internally within stems of Spartina alterniflora, the smooth cordgrass.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Languria taedata: /læŋˈɡjʊəriə ˈtiːdəteɪtə/
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Identification
are 9–11 mm long with an elongate body form. The shows : most individuals have variable coloration, but 'Form C' is entirely black (all-). Distinguished from related Languriinae by combination of size, eastern coastal distribution, and larval association with Spartina alterniflora. Formerly confused with L. erythrocephalus, now synonymized.
Habitat
Coastal salt marshes dominated by Spartina alterniflora; wetlands.
Distribution
Eastern coastal states of North America; western Gulf Coast of the United States (all- 'Form C'); coastal Louisiana.
Diet
feed and develop within stems of Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Poaceae). diet unknown.
Host Associations
- Spartina alterniflora - larval develop inside stems
Life Cycle
grow inside stems of ; specific site and details not documented.
Behavior
Exhibits with three recognized forms, including the all- 'Form C'.
Similar Taxa
- Languria erythrocephalusFormerly described as separate ; now synonymized with L. taedata based on examination of and geographic variation.
- Other Languriinae genera to North requires modification to accommodate the all- form of L. taedata.