Neduba sierranus
(Rehn & Hebard, 1911)
sierra shieldback
Neduba sierranus, the sierra shieldback, is a of to western North America. It belongs to a relict whose diversification reflects cycles of isolation and secondary contact in the tumultuous geological of the region. The species was redescribed in a 2021 comprehensive revision of the genus Neduba using molecular , , calling song analysis, and karyotypes. Like other Neduba species, it is flightless and characterized by a distinctive shield-like that extends backward over the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neduba sierranus: //nɛˈduːbə siˈɛrənəs//
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Distribution
California; western North America. Distribution records indicate presence in California specifically, with broader occurrence in western North America.
Host Associations
- Sphex ichneumoneus - Has been documented as of the Great Golden Digger , which paralyzes to provision nest for its .
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Aglaothorax sierranus by Rehn & Hebard in 1911, later transferred to Neduba. The was comprehensively redescribed in a 2021 Zootaxa revision of the .
Conservation Context
The Neduba includes one already extinct from human environmental disturbance, highlighting concerns for this relict group.