Chauliognathus limbicollis
LeConte, 1858
soldier beetle
Chauliognathus limbicollis is a soldier beetle in the Cantharidae. have been observed feeding on flowers of yellow Asteraceae, particularly Helianthus annuus ( sunflower) and Heterotheca , in shortgrass prairie and mesquite chaparral . The species was historically documented from southwestern states including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, but more recent observations extend its range into Oklahoma.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chauliognathus limbicollis: //kaʊˌli.oʊɡˈneɪθəs ˌlɪmbɪˈkɒlɪs//
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Identification
A dead ringer for this based on external ; identification should be confirmed against the key to Chauliognathini (Fender 1964). Similar to other Chauliognathus species but distinguished by specific characters in the tribal key.
Images
Habitat
Shortgrass prairie and mesquite chaparral. Associated with flowering yellow Asteraceae, particularly Helianthus annuus ( sunflower) and Heterotheca stenophylla (stiffleaf false goldenaster).
Distribution
North and Central America. Documented from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas (Fender 1964); observed in northwestern Oklahoma (Woodward County, Major County) in 2012 and 2023.
Seasonality
Late summer activity documented: observed in late August in Oklahoma.
Diet
feed on pollen of yellow Asteraceae flowers, particularly Helianthus annuus and Heterotheca .
Behavior
congregate on flowering plants. Observed feeding diurnally on flower .
Ecological Role
Pollen feeder on native Asteraceae; likely contributes to pollination of flowers.
Similar Taxa
- Other Chauliognathus speciesRequires use of Fender's 1964 key to Chauliognathini for reliable differentiation based on morphological characters.