Lycostomus loripes
Lycostomus loripes is a of in the . The species has been documented in the Atascosa Mountains of Arizona, where were observed on flowers of Eysenhardtia orthocarpa (desert kidneywood). As a member of Belostomatidae, it is an aquatic , though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Habitat
Mesquite/acacia scrub and oak/juniper woodland in southeastern Arizona. One documented observation occurred in the Atascosa Mountains at approximately 4,000–5,000 feet elevation in an area recovering from the 2011 Murphy Fire.
Distribution
Known from southeastern Arizona, specifically the Atascosa Mountains (Santa Cruz County). The single documented collection occurred near Ruby Road in July 2021.
Seasonality
have been observed in July. Activity period appears to coincide with summer monsoon season in the desert Southwest.
Host Associations
- Eysenhardtia orthocarpa - visitation observed on flowers of desert kidneywood; relationship nature unclear (possible nectar feeding or incidental presence)
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The Lycostomus was established for certain New World previously placed in other genera. Lycostomus loripes is one of several in this genus found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Collection Context
The sole documented observation in the provided source occurred during a 13-day trip in July 2021. The noted beating desert kidneywood flowers and sweeping low vegetation in an area where the primary target (Acmaeodera chuckbellamyi) was not found.