Lomachaeta hicksi

Mickel, 1936

A of velvet ant (Mutillidae) in the Lomachaeta, originally described by Mickel in 1936. The species was taxonomically consolidated in a 2004 revision, which established six junior synonyms under L. hicksi based on page priority. As a member of Mutillidae, it is a . The species is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions, with new distributional data reported in the revision.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lomachaeta hicksi: //ˌloʊməˈkiːtə ˈhɪksi//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Lomachaeta by characters detailed in the revised key provided by Manley and Deyrup (2004). The six junior synonymized forms (previously described as separate species) were found to represent intraspecific variation. Specific diagnostic features are not available from the source abstract.

Distribution

Southwestern United States; exact range expanded by new distributional data reported in the 2004 revision. Historical synonym records suggest occurrence in Colorado and adjacent regions.

Ecological Role

As a member of Mutillidae, functions as a , though specific records for this are not detailed in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Lomachaeta argentaSympatric congeneric described in same revision; distinguished by diagnostic characters in the revised key
  • Lomachaeta cirrhomerisSympatric congeneric from southwestern USA; separated by morphological features in species key
  • Lomachaeta crocopinnaSympatric congeneric from southwestern USA; distinguished in revision key

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Sources and further reading