Phoenicobiella schwarzii

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Curculionoidea
Family: Anthribidae
Subfamily: Anthribinae
Tribe: Platystomini
Genus: Phoenicobiella
Species: schwarzii

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phoenicobiella schwarzii: /ˌfiː.nɪ.koʊ.biˈɛl.lə ˈʃvɑːrtsiː/

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Summary

Phoenicobiella schwarzii, originally described by Schaeffer in 1906, is a species of beetle within the family Anthribidae. It is named after the entomologist Eugene Amandus Schwarz and is known from southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, with occurrences also noted in Cuba. This species is particularly notable for the sexual dimorphism in its antennae.

Physical Characteristics

Large, 6.4-12.2 mm in length. The male antennae can extend to nearly twice the body length, while the female's antennae are shorter, extending from 1/2 to 3/4 of the body length.

Identification Tips

The male antennae are significantly longer than those of the female, which can aid in identification.

Habitat

Typically found inside dead leaf stems of Sabal mexicana.

Distribution

Southmost Texas (Hidalgo & Cameron Counties), northeast Mexico (Tamaulipas), also recorded in Cuba.

Conservation Status

Considered a species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) in Texas.

Collecting Methods

Beating overhanging roofs of thatched homes with palm fronds