Cissites auriculata
(Champion, 1892)
big-eared blister beetle
Cissites auriculata is one of two described in the Cissites ( ), distinguished from the closely related C. maculata by constant morphological features including shape, length, shape, first metatarsal length, and elytral coloration. Mitochondrial COI sequence divergence of 14.5% from C. maculata indicates ancient cladogenetic separation. The species is widely distributed in Central America and the Caribbean, with regional sympatry with C. maculata occurring in central Mexico. It has not colonized South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cissites auriculata: //ˈsɪsaɪtiːz ˌɔːrɪkjʊˈleɪtə//
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Identification
Distinguished from Cissites maculata by: shape; length; shape; length of first metatarsal ; and elytral coloration. These diagnostic characters are constant across the entire geographic distribution without intermediate . The "big-eared " presumably refers to distinctive auriculate (ear-like) structures, though specific morphological details are not documented in available sources.
Distribution
Widely distributed in Central America and the Caribbean. Regional sympatry with C. maculata confirmed in central Mexico. Absent from South America. GBIF records confirm presence in Caribbean and Middle America regions.
Similar Taxa
- Cissites maculata (Swederus)The only other described in the ; distinguished by constant morphological differences in shape, length, shape, first metatarsal length, and elytral coloration; occurs in sympatry in central Mexico; 14.5% mitochondrial COI divergence indicates ancient separation