Oncerinae
LeConte, 1861
Oncerinae is a small of containing only two , each with a single : Nefoncerus convergens in the Neotropics and Oncerus floralis in North America. The group has been historically unstable in , sometimes treated as a tribe (Oncerini) within . Its limited diversity and disjunct geographic distribution make it a minor but taxonomically distinct lineage within .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oncerinae: /ˈɔŋkɛriˌni/
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Identification
Oncerinae are distinguished from other by their small size and the combination of two with highly restricted . Nefoncerus occurs in the Neotropics while Oncerus is restricted to North America; this distribution helps separate them from related groups. Specific morphological diagnostic features require examination of mouthparts and male , which separate them from when treated as distinct.
Distribution
Disjunct distribution: Oncerus in North America (United States), genus Nefoncerus in the Neotropics.
Similar Taxa
- MelolonthinaeOncerinae has been classified as a tribe (Oncerini) within this ; separation depends on interpretation of phylogenetic relationships rather than clear morphological discontinuity.
More Details
Taxonomic instability
The of Oncerinae has shifted between and tribal status within , reflecting ongoing uncertainty about its phylogenetic position within .