Turpiliodes mexicanum
(Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878)
Mexican cactus fly
Turpiliodes mexicanum is a of ( Tettigoniidae) in the Phaneropterinae. It was described by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1878 and is native to Mexico. The species has been recorded from multiple regions including northeastern, Gulf, and southwestern Mexico. As a member of the katydid family, it is likely associated with vegetation and exhibits typical ensiferan characteristics including elongated .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Turpiliodes mexicanum: //tʊrˌpɪliˈoʊdiːz mɛksɪˈkɑːnəm//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
Recorded from northeastern Mexico, the Gulf region of Mexico, and southwestern Mexico. Distribution records are based on documented occurrences in these three Mexican regions.
Misconceptions
The "Mexican cactus fly" and references to "Copestylum mexicanum" and "Volucella mexicana" in popular sources refer to a syrphid fly (Diptera: Syrphidae), not this . These are entirely different insects in different orders. The syrphid fly is a that visits flowers such as Mexican sunflower (Tithonia), while Turpiliodes mexicanum is an orthopteran with no known association with cacti or flower visitation.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The name Turpiliodes mexicanum has been confused in popular literature with Copestylum mexicanum, a syrphid fly. The Catalogue of Life and GBIF confirm Turpiliodes mexicanum as a valid in Tettigoniidae, order Orthoptera. The syrphid fly references in the provided context ( Squad articles, etc.) pertain to a different organism entirely and should not be attributed to this species.
Observation Data
iNaturalist records 491 observations of this , indicating it is moderately well-documented, though detailed biological information remains limited in accessible sources.