Connatichela
Anderson, 1984
Connatichela is a of in the , Entiminae, described by Anderson in 1984. The genus is currently , containing only C. artemisiae, which is to the Yukon Territory. Members are characterized by connate (joined at base) , absence of metepisternal , lack of on antennal funiculus, and presence of broad scales on antennal . The genus has a documented Pleistocene fossil record from Alaska and western Northwest Territories, indicating a formerly broader distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Connatichela: //ˌkɒnəˈtɪkələ//
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Identification
Distinguished from related leptopiine by connate ( joined at base) and distinctive structure of male and female . Additional diagnostic characters include: absence of metepisternal , antennal funiculus lacking , and antennal bearing broad scales.
Habitat
Currently associated with plants of a small Artemisia in Yukon Territory. Historically occupied arid steppe-tundra across Beringia during the Pleistocene.
Distribution
Currently to Yukon Territory, Canada. Fossil evidence from mid-Wisconsinan indicates former presence in western Northwest Territories and Alaska.
Host Associations
- Artemisia - associated with plants of a small specimens found in association with plants
Similar Taxa
- Other leptopiine generaConnatichela is distinguished by connate and structure; related have free tarsal claws
More Details
Paleontological significance
Fossil material assignable to C. artemisiae from mid-Wisconsinan provides evidence of a formerly broader distribution. Post-Wisconsinan restriction to Yukon Territory likely reflects reduction in availability of arid steppe-tundra across most of Beringia.
Phylogenetic status
Phylogenetic and zoogeographic relationships of the remain unresolved.