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| synonym |
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| description |
A generally dark species, varying in color from almost black to brown to bluish. It has pale spots at the wing tips and yellowish-brown legs. The face is a warm brown color, and the rest of the underside is dark brown. Adults are 3.0-3.5 mm long. This species is smaller than the very similar X. piceus, which is 4.0 mm long or more: 1.
For additional pics of this species, see: BG. |
| distribution |
A common and widespread species, recorded throughout eastern North America into the Midwest (BG). |
| abundance |
Recorded from several counties in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, probably more abundant in the right habitat. |
| seasonal_occurrence | |
| habitat |
Has been recorded in mixed hardwood forest habitats. |
| plant associates |
Willow, black Locust, honey-locust, walnut; also aspen (Populus spp.), birch and elm (Chandler & Hamilton, 2017) |
| behavior |
Can be attracted at night with a light |
| comments |
This is the only member of this genus whose adults feed on trees (BG).
Under the latest revision of the genus by Cwikla 1985, many species were synonymized under X. desertorum. While the following species appear to be visually distinctive, there are no differences in the male or female genitalia from desertorum, hence being synonymized. This move has not been carried out here as it seems necessary for further studies done to determine the validity of species within this genus. For now, species here will be differentiated based on visual characteristics. It is important to note though that these 'species' may not be valid, and visual characteristics that have been used to differentiate may not in fact hold up due to variation between forms and/or species. Furthermore, somes records may represent similiar species that are not yet on this site; obviously there is much to learn and revise regarding this genus.
The species still synonymized under desertorum (some others have been re-elevated to species level per Chandler & Hamilton, 2017) that could occur in our area are as follows:
- piceus
- provancheri
- similis
Furthermore, there is an apparent undescribed species that looks similar to X. superbus, but has a differently marked and colored frons, head and pronotum. Recent DNA barcoding revealed specimens of this 'species' cluster separately from everything else.
- n-species |
status |
[Native:]
[Introduced:]
[Extirpated:] | | list_type |
[Official:]
[Provisional:] |
| adult_id | Unmistakable and widely known Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens
Identifiable from photos showing undersides, or other specialized views [e.g., legs, face]
Identifiable only by close inspection of structural features or by DNA analysis NULL |
| nymph_id | Unmistakable and widely known Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants
Identifiable from close inspection of specimens or by DNA analysis
Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood NULL |
| G_rank |
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| S_rank |
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| rank_comments |
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| tribe |
Xestocephalini |
| subgenus |
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Species Photo Gallery for Xestocephalus brunneus Brown Xestocephalus |
 | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger
Wake Co.
Comment: mixed hardwood forest habitat; the whitish patch on the costa is an accumulation of waxy exudates |  | Photo by: Paul Scharf
Warren Co.
Comment: attracted to Black Light |
 | Photo by: Paul Scharf
Warren Co.
Comment: Attracted to Black Light |  | Photo by: Paul Scharf
Warren Co.
Comment: Attracted to Black Light |
 | Photo by: Rob Van Epps
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment: Came to UV light. Yard near woods. |  | Photo by: Rob Van Epps
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment: Came to UV light. Yard near woods. |
 | Photo by: John Rosenfeld
Out Of State Co.
Comment: female |  | Photo by: John Rosenfeld
Out Of State Co.
Comment: female |
 | Photo by: John Rosenfeld
Out Of State Co.
Comment: female |  | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Guilford Co.
Comment: May be a duplicate record, I hit submit and my VPN gave me some issues. |
 | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Guilford Co.
Comment: May be a duplicate record, I hit submit and my VPN gave me some issues. |  | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Forsyth Co.
Comment: |
 | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Forsyth Co.
Comment: |  | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Forsyth Co.
Comment: |
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