Phengodes arizonensis
Arizona Glowworm Beetle
Phengodes arizonensis is a of glowworm beetle in the Phengodidae. The species is known from North America, with observations concentrated in the southwestern United States. Like other phengodid beetles, it exhibits . Larvae of related Phengodes species are of millipedes, employing unique strategies to circumvent chemical defenses.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phengodes arizonensis: /fɛnˈɡoʊdiːz ˌærɪzoʊˈnɛnsɪs/
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Distribution
North America; specifically recorded from Arizona and surrounding southwestern United States based on iNaturalist observations.
More Details
Related species biology
Larvae of the related Phengodes laticollis have been documented as . They subdue prey by piercing thinner regions of millipede (such as intersegmental on the surface) with hollow sickle-shaped , apparently injecting gastric fluids that paralyze the millipede. This prevents the millipede from discharging its defensive benzoquinone glands, allowing the larva to safely consume the liquefied contents. Whether P. arizonensis larvae employ similar predatory strategies has not been documented.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- iNaturalist taxon
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Polistes arizonensis
- Destination Sonoran Desert: A time to sting for the Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion, 'Hadrurus arizonensis' — Bug of the Week
- Bug Eric: A Spider Surprise
- Reduviidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
- North America’s largest centipede | Beetles In The Bush