Linsleya
MacSwain, 1951
Linsleya is a of in the , established by MacSwain in 1951. The genus comprises approximately five described distributed in North America. As with other meloid , members of this genus possess the characteristic chemical defense of production. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Linsleya (Linsleya) and Linsleya (Linsleyina).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Linsleya: /lɪnsˈleɪjə/
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Identification
Members of Linsleya can be distinguished from related by genitalic and antennal characters, though specific diagnostic features require examination of . The subgenera are distinguished by subtle morphological differences in and body form. Linsleya convexa has been photographed in the field in Colorado, suggesting activity and association with flowering vegetation.
Images
Habitat
Based on collection records and field observations, occur in shortgrass prairie and canyon environments. Linsleya convexa has been documented in Vogel Canyon, Colorado. The habitat associations suggest to semi-arid grassland and open woodland .
Distribution
North America, with records from the western and central United States including Colorado, Oklahoma, and surrounding regions. The appears to be primarily western in distribution.
Seasonality
activity has been observed during summer months. A field photograph of Linsleya convexa was taken in early summer (June) in Colorado, suggesting peak adult coincides with warm-season flowering vegetation.
Behavior
have been observed on flowers, suggesting feeding on pollen or floral tissues. This is consistent with many that visit flowers for nourishment and mating.
Similar Taxa
- EpicautaBoth belong to tribe Epicautini and share similar body plans and flower-visiting behaviors. is much more speciose and widespread, with over 150 in North America versus approximately five in Linsleya.
- LyttaAnother with flower-visiting and western North distribution. Lytta are generally larger and more than Linsleya, with different antennal structure.
More Details
Subgeneric classification
The is divided into two subgenera: Linsleya (Linsleya) containing L. convexa and L. suavissima, and Linsleya (Linsleyina) containing L. californica, L. compressicornis, and L. sphaericollis. This subgeneric structure was established by Selander and is reflected in museum collection arrangements.
Museum holdings
The Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside maintains significant holdings of Linsleya specimens, including 99 specimens of L. sphaericollis, 80 of L. compressicornis compressicornis, 72 of L. californica, over 25 of L. suavissima, and 13 of L. convexa as of 2010.