Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
This common and widely distributed species has been called "Derobrachus geminatus", but examination of type specimens revealed that the true geminatus refers to a much less common species we have called "Derobrachus forreri" (Santos-Silva, 2007). Rules of nomenclature require that the name geminatus be applied to the less common species (with forreri as a synonym), leaving the common species without a name.
Derobrachus hovorei Santos-Silva is the new name given to this species, which can be distinguished from true D. geminatus (formerly D. forreri) by its more weakly striolate antennae.
Ted MacRae
Syn: Derobrachus geminatus LeConte
Syn: Derobrachus forreri Bates
Size
Length, exclusive of mandibles, 54-66 mm
Habitat
upland sp. asso. w/ mesquite and paloverde (Hovore et al. 1987)
Season
mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data)
Food
Larvae feed on roots of living trees: Populus, Quercus, Prosopis, Ulmus, Parkinsonia, Morus, Citrus, Vitis (Hovore et al. 1987)
Remarks
attracted to lights (Hovore et al. 1987)
Print References
Chemsak, J.A. & E.G. Linsley. 1977. Review of the Species of
Derobrachus Audinet-Serville Occurring in the United States (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 50(4): 508-514.
First Page
Hovore, F.T., R.L. Penrose & R.W. Neck. 1987. The Cerambycidae, or longhorned beetles, of southern Texas: a faunal survey (Coleoptera). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, 44(13): 283-334, 20 figs.
Santos-Silva, A. 2007. Revisao do genero Derobrachus Audinet-Serville, 1832 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Prioninae). Arquivos de Zoologia, 38(1): 1-94.
Vogt, B.G. 1949. Notes on Cerambycidae from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Pan-Pacific Entomologist 25(3): 137-144; (4): 175-184.
Internet References
Larval Images - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum