Chauliognathus lewisi vittatus
Lewis' soldier beetle (striped subspecies)
Chauliognathus lewisi vittatus is a of in the . The nominate C. lewisi is distributed in western North America, and the subspecies vittatus appears to represent a striped or banded color . Soldier beetles in this are commonly found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and are known of soft-bodied such as . The subspecific epithet "vittatus" refers to the presence of longitudinal stripes or on the , distinguishing it from other of C. lewisi.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chauliognathus lewisi vittatus: //ˌkaʊ.li.oʊɡˈneɪθəs luˈɪsi vɪˈteɪtəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Chauliognathus lewisi by the presence of distinct longitudinal stripes or vittae on the (the subspecific epithet "vittatus" refers to this striped pattern). The nominate form of C. lewisi typically exhibits more uniform coloration without such striping. As with other , have soft, flexible elytra that do not completely cover the tip, and the body is elongate with thread-like .
Images
Distribution
Western North America; precise range boundaries of the relative to nominate C. lewisi are not well documented in available sources. The C. lewisi occurs in western United States and adjacent Canada.
Diet
feed on pollen and nectar from flowers; also known to on soft-bodied including and . are predatory on ground-dwelling insects and other small .
Life Cycle
overwinter in soil, leaf litter, or beneath loose bark. occurs in spring, with emerging to feed on flowers. Multiple may occur depending on climate and locality.
Behavior
are frequently observed on flowers where they feed and mate. Mating in related Chauliognathus involves size-assortative pairing, with larger males having greater mating success. Adults are capable of and are active diurnally.
Ecological Role
serve as while feeding on flowers. Both adults and function as that help regulate of pest including , , and ground-dwelling .
Human Relevance
Considered in gardens and agricultural settings due to on . are harmless to humans and do not bite or . Occasionally enter homes in autumn when seeking sites.
Similar Taxa
- Chauliognathus lewisi (nominate form)Lacks the distinct longitudinal elytral stripes characteristic of vittatus; otherwise similar in size, shape, and biology.
- Chauliognathus pennsylvanicusEastern North with similar golden-orange coloration and flower-visiting ; distinguished by geographic range and subtle differences in pronotal and elytral markings.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The vittatus was described based on distinctive striped coloration of the . The validity and geographic extent of this subspecies requires further study, as coloration can be variable.
Fungal Pathogens
Related , including C. pennsylvanicus, are known to be susceptible to the Entomophthora lampyridarum, which causes infected to climb vegetation and clamp on with their before death to facilitate spore . Whether C. l. vittatus is similarly affected has not been documented.