|
|
|
| synonym |
|
| description |
This species is mottled in color, with the wing cells an array of orange, brown, white, and black. The pronotum and head are a pale brown with largely scattered whitish patches, strongly contrasting with the wings and giving this species a unique appearance. The head has pale ][ shaped markings on the vertex. The underside is dark brown to blackish, and the female pregenital sternite has a concave posterior margin with a V-shaped notch. This species is large for the genus, being around 3.5 mm long. |
| distribution |
Eastern United States |
| abundance |
Recorded from a handful of counties across the state. Possibly more abundant in the right habitat, especially in coastal counties. |
| seasonal_occurrence | |
| habitat |
Has been found in mixed to open forest habitat. |
| plant associates |
|
| behavior |
Can be attracted at night with a black light |
| comments |
An "ant guest", it lives as an immature in the tunnels of ant nests where it feeds on the roots of plants. Adults fly around a lot, looking for other ant nests (BG).
Specimens and images on this page represent an apparent [probable] undescribed species that looks similar to X. flavocapitatus, but has a somewhat uniquely marked and colored head and pronotum. This species can also stand out from most other Xestocephalus by typically being larger in size, being around 0.5 to 1 mm or more longer than most members of the genus, which tend to be less than 3 mm long. Recent DNA barcoding revealed specimens of this 'species' indicate it is unrelated to anything presently described. For more images of this potential new species, see: BG. |
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 |
|
| S_rank |
|
| rank_comments |
|
| tribe |
Xestocephalini |
| subgenus |
|
Species Photo Gallery for Xestocephalus n-species2 Probable Undescribed Xestocephalus Species |
 | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Randolph Co.
Comment: |  | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Randolph Co.
Comment: |
 | Photo by: Scott Bolick
Randolph Co.
Comment: |  | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn
Gates Co.
Comment: |
 | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Paul Scharf
Gates Co.
Comment: open, grassy area near mixed hardwood forest |  | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Paul Scharf
Gates Co.
Comment: open, grassy area near mixed hardwood forest |
 | 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: Bo Sullivan
Moore Co.
Comment: ~3.5 mm, male |
 | Photo by: Bo Sullivan
Moore Co.
Comment: ~3.5 mm, male |  | Photo by: Bo Sullivan
Moore Co.
Comment: ~3.5 mm, male |
 | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger
Warren Co.
Comment: |  | Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger
Warren Co.
Comment: |
|
»
