Hornia

C.V. Riley, 1877

Hornia is a of blister beetles (Meloidae: Nemognathinae) established by C.V. Riley in 1877. in this genus exhibit pronounced , with females being physogastric—the becomes greatly distended, an associated with reproductive . The genus is rarely collected and poorly known biologically, with most information derived from scattered historical records and limited laboratory observations.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hornia: /ˈhɔrn.i.ə/

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Identification

Females distinguished by physogastric condition with greatly distended ; males lack this modification. Detailed external insufficiently documented in available sources.

Habitat

Hard calcareous clay banks; at least one record from a roadside bank facing SSW.

Distribution

North America; recorded from Edmonton, Alberta (Mill Creek) and presumably more broadly distributed based on -level occurrence in regional collections.

Seasonality

collected in November based on available records.

Behavior

Females exhibit ( distension). Laboratory observations on have been conducted, though specific behaviors are not detailed in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • NemognathaBoth Nemognathini with modified females; Hornia distinguished by degree of and abdominal structure.
  • GnathiumRelated Nemognathini ; Hornia separated by female physogastric and historical taxonomic treatment.

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