Atalantycha bilineata

(Say, 1823)

Two-lined Leatherwing, two-lined cantharid, two-lined leather-wing

Atalantycha bilineata, commonly known as the Two-lined Leatherwing or two-lined cantharid, is a of in the . It is found in North America and has been documented visiting apple flowers as a . The species is recognizable by its distinctive color pattern and is frequently observed during citizen science events such as the City Nature Challenge.

Atalantycha bilineata by (c) M. Whitson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by M. Whitson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Atalantycha bilineata by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Atalantycha bilineata P1590139a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Atalantycha bilineata: //ˌætələnˈtɪkə ˌbaɪlaɪˈniːətə//

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

Identification

The can be distinguished from similar by the two prominent black longitudinal stripes on the yellowish or orange , which give rise to its . The typically has two black spots. These markings separate it from other Atalantycha species and similar cantharids with different color patterns or stripe configurations.

Images

Habitat

Associated with flowering vegetation including apple orchards and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus ). Has been observed on apple flowers during activity and in glades dominated by Eastern Red Cedar in oak-hickory forest .

Distribution

North America. Documented in Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. Observations span from the Great Plains region to eastern North America.

Seasonality

are active during spring and early summer. Documented observations in April and May during the City Nature Challenge, with activity continuing into late summer. activity on apple flowers has been recorded.

Host Associations

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus - visited for nectar rabbitbrush
Malus - apple flowers; visitation documented

Behavior

have been observed visiting flowers, including during nighttime hours. A specimen was documented on an apple flower in a study of , indicating or nocturnal activity patterns.

Ecological Role

Documented as a of apple flowers, contributing to fruit set and seed development comparable to pollinators. This role highlights the importance of in agricultural services beyond their more commonly recognized predatory functions.

Human Relevance

Recognized as a in apple production due to documented activity. Frequently recorded in citizen science projects such as iNaturalist and the City Nature Challenge, making it a useful for public engagement in .

Similar Taxa

Pyrota bilineataSimilar color pattern with stripes and spots, but in () rather than ; can be distinguished by body form and
Other Atalantycha speciesSame but differ in elytral stripe pattern, spot configuration on , or overall coloration

More Details

Pollination Research

A 2021 study in the Journal of Economic documented Atalantycha bilineata as one of several visiting apple flowers, demonstrating that night-flying contribute meaningfully to services in fruit production.

Taxonomic History

Originally described by Thomas Say in 1823, this has been variously referred to by emphasizing the two longitudinal stripes on the .