Megetra cancellata

(Brandt & Erichson, 1832)

Megetra cancellata is a blister beetle ( Meloidae) and one of three recognized in the North American Megetra. It is considered the most anatomically and ecologically distinctive species in the genus. The species exhibits a discontinuous distribution across the southwestern United States and Mexico, occurring in limited sympatry with its M. vittata and M. punctata. Two are recognized: M. c. cancellata and M. c. hoegei.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megetra cancellata: //mɛˈɡɛtrə kænˈsɛlətə//

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Identification

Distinguished from by anatomical characters of and larvae. Specific diagnostic characters include features of adult and larval anatomy that separate it from M. vittata and M. punctata. Intraspecific variation in several adult characters has been analyzed taxonomically.

Distribution

Discontinuous range from Arizona and New Mexico (United States) south to the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Occurs in Central America and North America, with limited sympatry with both M. vittata and M. punctata.

Similar Taxa

Megetra vittataOccurs in limited sympatry; distinguished by anatomical characters of ; ranges from northern Arizona to western Texas and appears strictly with M. punctata
Megetra punctataOccurs in limited sympatry; distinguished by anatomical characters of and larvae; ranges from southern Arizona and New Mexico to Durango, Mexico; ecologically similar to M. vittata

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: Megetra cancellata cancellata and Megetra cancellata hoegei Duges, 1889

Taxonomic Distinctiveness

Considered the most distinctive in the Megetra both anatomically and ecologically