Xeris
Costa, 1894
horntails
Xeris is a of horntails (woodwasps) in the , circumscribed by Achille in 1894. The genus contains sixteen recognized distributed across North America and Eurasia. Xeris species are distinguished from other siricid genera by specific and morphological features.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Xeris: //ˈksɛrɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other by three characteristic features: hind lacking a ; presence of a small vertical ridge behind the ; and a metatibial . These traits allow separation from superficially similar horntail genera.
Images
Habitat
Associated with forested environments. In North America, ranges from forests in Alaska and Canada through temperate zones to southern Mexico (Chiapas). In Eurasia, occupies temperate and boreal regions as well as mountainous areas of southern Eurasia.
Distribution
North America and Eurasia. North range extends from Alaska and Canada south to Chiapas, Mexico. Eurasian distribution includes temperate and regions plus mountains of southern Eurasia (Morocco, India, China, Taiwan).
Similar Taxa
- Other Siricidae generaXeris differs in hind (lacks ), has a small vertical ridge behind the , and possesses a metatibial —features not combined in other .
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Neoxeris was erected in 1987 for Neoxeris melanocephala, but was synonymized with Xeris in 2012 when the was transferred. X. melanocephalus was subsequently synonymized with X. himalayensis.