Distremocephalus
Wittmer, 1976
glowworm beetles
Species Guides
4- Distremocephalus californicus(glowworm beetle)
- Distremocephalus mexicanus
- Distremocephalus opaculus
- Distremocephalus texanus(little Texas glowworm)
Distremocephalus is a of glowworm beetles in the Phengodidae, established by Wittmer in 1976. The genus comprises approximately 11 described distributed across North America, primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members are bioluminescent beetles commonly known as glowworms, with most species described by Zaragoza in 1986.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Distremocephalus: //dɪˌstrɛmoʊˈsɛfələs//
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Distribution
Southwestern United States (California, Texas) and Mexico. records include D. californicus from California, D. texanus from Texas, and multiple Mexican species (D. barrerai, D. beutelspacheri, D. buenoi, D. chiapensis, D. leonilae, D. mexicanus, D. rufocaudatus, D. wittmeri). D. opaculus distribution extends to western North America.
Behavior
has been observed in this , consistent with the Phengodidae. Larvae are predatory and glow to attract prey.
Human Relevance
D. texanus is known by the "little Texas ," suggesting minor regional recognition.
Similar Taxa
More Details
Taxonomic history
Most (9 of 11) were described in a single 1986 revision by Zaragoza. Two older species were transferred into the : D. californicus (originally described as Zarhipis californica by Van Dyke, 1918) and D. texanus (originally Phengodes texana by LeConte, 1874).
Etymology
name combines Greek 'distrema' (aperture, opening) and 'kephale' (), likely referring to a structural feature of the head capsule.