Banded Net-winged Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calopteron discrepans: /kæˈlɒptərɒn dɪˈskriːpænz/

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Summary

Calopteron discrepans, or the banded net-winged beetle, is a striking beetle species found in moist woodland areas across eastern North America. Its striking coloration serves both adaptive and defensive purposes, while its larvae play crucial ecological roles as predators and decomposers. Notable for its complex life cycle, including aggregative behaviors during pupation and potential mutualistic relationships with fungi and plants, this species is distinguished by subtle physical characteristics that require careful observation for proper identification.

Physical Characteristics

Adults typically range from 10 to 15 mm in length, exhibiting orange elytra with distinct black banding patterns. The pronotum is black with small strips of fulvous along the sides. Larvae are dark black with burnt-orange patches.

Identification Tips

Distinguishable from similar species by the coloration of the metasternum and the second antennal joint, which are totally black in C. discrepans but reddish-brown in C. reticulatum. The median black band is a key feature and is absent in C. terminale.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits moist woods, with larvae commonly found under loose bark, in rotten logs, and leaf litter.

Distribution

Found across the eastern United States, ranging from New England to Florida and west to Oklahoma and Kansas. Recently found in Manitoba and Quebec.

Diet

Calopteron larvae have a varied diet, reported to be predacious as well as feeding on myxomycetes, fungi, and fermenting plant juices.

Life Cycle

Begins with egg stage, followed by larval and pupal stages. Larvae form aggregations during pupation, and adults are known for striking coloration and potential aposematic defenses.

Reproduction

Mating not directly observed at pupal aggregations, suggests male-female pairing may not be primarily linked to aggregation behavior; further research needed.

Predators

Not specifically detailed, but the bright coloration suggests potential predators may be deterred due to aposematic defenses.

Ecosystem Role

Contributes to pest control by preying on small arthropods, aids in decomposition processes, and engages in mutualistic relationships with fungi and plants.

Similar Taxa

• Calopteron reticulatum
• Calopteron terminale

Misconceptions

Often confused with similar species C. reticulatum and C. terminale due to morphological similarities.

Tags

• beetle
• Lycidae
• Calopteron
• predator
• decomposer
• mutualism