Linsleya suavissima
(Wellman, 1910)
Linsleya suavissima is a of blister beetle in the Meloidae, first described by Wellman in 1910. It belongs to the subgenus Linsleya within the Linsleya and is part of the tribe Epicautini. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by more than 25 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection. Like other members of the Meloidae, likely contain , a defensive compound that causes blistering.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Linsleya suavissima: //ˈlɪnz.leɪə swɑːˈvɪs.sɪ.mə//
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Identification
Linsleya suavissima can be distinguished from other Linsleya by its placement in the subgenus Linsleya rather than Linsleyina. It differs from L. convexa (the other member of subgenus Linsleya) in specific morphological details that require close examination. Separation from species in the subgenus Linsleyina (L. californica, L. compressicornis, L. sphaericollis) requires attention to subgeneric characters. Precise identification typically requires reference to original description or keys.
Distribution
Central America and North America. Specific country records are not detailed in available sources, but the is documented from both regions. Museum holdings from the Entomology Research Museum confirm its occurrence in the western United States.
Similar Taxa
- Linsleya convexaThe only other in the subgenus Linsleya; similar overall body form but differs in specific morphological details of elytral and body proportions.
- Linsleya californicaOccurs in similar geographic region but belongs to subgenus Linsleyina; differs in antennal and pronotal characters.
- Linsleya sphaericollisWidespread in subgenus Linsleyina; similar size and general appearance but separable by subgeneric characters and details of pronotal shape.
More Details
Nomenclatural Note
The was described by Wellman in 1910. The Linsleya was established to honor American coleopterist E. Gorton Linsley.
Museum Holdings
The Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside holds more than 25 specimens of this as of the 2010 inventory by J. Pinto.