Xeris

Costa, 1894

horntails

Species Guides

Xeris is a of horntails (woodwasps) in the Siricidae, 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 wing venation and morphological features.

Xeris morrisoni by (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ. Used under a CC-BY license.

Xeris himalayensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xeris: //ˈksɛrɪs//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Siricidae by three characteristic features: hind wing lacking a cup; presence of a small vertical ridge behind the ; and a metatibial spur. These traits allow separation from superficially similar horntail genera.

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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 American 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 wing venation (lacks cup), has a small vertical ridge behind the , and possesses a metatibial spur—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.