Lygistopterus
Dejean, 1833
net-winged beetles
Lygistopterus is a of ( ) comprising approximately 11 described . The genus exhibits the characteristic aposematic coloration typical of Lycidae, with bright orange and black patterns advertising chemical defenses. Species occur across North America and Europe, including an Italian , L. anorachilus. Members of this genus are distinguished from related lycid genera by specific morphological features of the , , and male .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lygistopterus: //laɪˌdʒɪsˈtɒp.tər.əs//
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Identification
in this display the 's characteristic soft, elongated bodies with reticulate that give the group its . The elytra are typically bright orange-red with black markings, serving as aposematic (warning) coloration. For -level identification, examination of male () and detailed prothoracic and cephalic characters is required. Lygistopterus anorachilus can be distinguished from the widespread L. sanguineus by newly described morphological characters of the , , and male genitalia.
Images
Distribution
North America (including Mexico and the southwestern United States), Europe, and Italy (where L. anorachilus is ). GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Similar Taxa
- LycusBoth share the orange-and-black aposematic coloration pattern and reticulate typical of ; Lygistopterus are often found in association with Lycus, and in the genus Elytroleptus mimic this coloration pattern to avoid .
- ElytroleptusThese are Batesian mimics of beetles including Lygistopterus and Lycus, sharing the orange-and-black warning coloration but belonging to a different (Cerambycidae); careful examination of and elytral structure is needed to distinguish them.