Photomorphus
Viereck, 1903
Species Guides
5Photomorphus is a of velvet ants (Mutillidae), a group of solitary in which females are wingless and often -like in appearance. The genus was established by Viereck in 1903. At least one , Photomorphus (Photomorphina) archboldi, has been described from central Florida based on male specimens collected in . Females of this genus are generally poorly known or undescribed for many species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Photomorphus: /ˌfoʊtoʊˈmɔrfəs/
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Identification
-level identification in Photomorphus requires examination of male specimens; females are often unknown or difficult to associate with males. Photomorphus (Photomorphina) archboldi is distinguished from by conspicuous white legs.
Images
Distribution
Central Florida, USA (based on collection records for P. archboldi). Wider distribution of the is not well documented.
Life Cycle
Velvet ants are of other insects, typically other Hymenoptera or beetles, though specific for Photomorphus are not documented.
Behavior
Males have been collected in , suggesting aerial activity. As with other mutillids, females are likely ground-dwelling and active searchers for nests.
Ecological Role
Presumed , though specific ecological impacts are undocumented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Mutillidae generaFemales of many mutillid are wingless and -like, requiring careful examination of morphological characters for separation; males require genitalic and wing venation characters.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The Catalogue of Life lists 'Photocryptus photomorphus' Viereck, 1913 as a within Ichneumonidae, but this appears to be a separate from the mutillid Photomorphus Viereck, 1903. These names have been confused in some databases but represent distinct genera in different .
Female Unknown
For P. archboldi and likely other in the , females remain unknown or undescribed, a common pattern in Mutillidae where sexes are collected separately and difficult to associate.