Apiomerus montanus
Berniker & Szerlip in Berniker et al., 2011
Mountain Bee Assassin
Apiomerus montanus is a of in the , commonly known as the Mountain Assassin. It belongs to a of exclusively New World predatory often called 'bee killers' for their habit of ambushing flower-visiting insects. The species was formally described in 2011 during a revision of the crassipes and pictipes species groups of Apiomerus. Like other members of its genus, it is an ambush that captures using its forelegs and subdues them with a venomous .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apiomerus montanus: //ˌæpɪoʊˈmɛrəs mɒnˈteɪnəs//
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Identification
A. montanus can be distinguished from related in the crassipes and pictipes groups by specific morphological features established in the 2011 revision. It is likely to show the characteristic coloration patterns of its species group, though precise diagnostic features require examination of specimens. Separation from the broadly A. spissipes and the generally darker A. crassipes (found further east) may involve subtle differences in coloration and body proportions. Accurate identification to species level typically requires reference to the original description and comparison with vouchered specimens.
Images
Distribution
North America. The specific range within North America has not been precisely documented in available sources, though the epithet 'montanus' suggests a possible association with mountainous regions.
Behavior
As a member of the Apiomerus, it is expected to employ ambush on flowers, waiting motionless for visiting . However, specific behavioral observations for A. montanus have not been documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Apiomerus spissipesBroadly distributed across the Great Plains and potentially ; distinguished by coloration and body proportions
- Apiomerus crassipesClosely related found further east, generally darker in coloration
- Apiomerus lanipesCommon widespread ranging from Panama to Argentina, larger and more with different abdominal coloration