Numbers
3 spp. north of Mexico:
Please note re. the Harvard MCZ photos labeled Cysteodemus vittatus LeConte (Megetra vittata link below) is actually M. punctata. LeConte's series, as Selander points out in his paper (1965), is a composite series. The "...first specimen, bearing a faded gold label, represents M. punctata,..."(Selander,1965). The specimen Selander designated as the lectotype of M. vittata is labeled "N.M" and "is pinned in the third position in LeConte's series." I've contacted John Pinto on this & he also thinks they've photographed the wrong specimen. I've contacted MCZ regarding the mix-up (HW - 09/13/08) No response yet from MCZ; 10/09/08 (will contact again - HW)
Megetra vittata LeConte 1853 - these photos show
M. punctata Selander.[HW]
Identification
Head and elytra black, but with red, orange, or yellow coloration present at least on the elytra.(from key to genera by Pinto & Bologna; see Print Ref. below)
Range
Restricted to Chihuahuan Desert of the USA (TX, NM, and extreme southeastern AZ) and Mexico (where most of this desert region is located).
Remarks
Grouped in the tribe Eupomphini, with the genera Cordylospasta, Cysteodemus, Eupompha, Phodaga, Pleuropasta, and Tegrodera . (see Pinto & Bologna reference below)
Print References
John D. Pinto and M.A.Bologna The New World genera of Meloidae (Coleoptera): a key and synopsis. 1999. J. Nat. Hist. 33:569-620.
Selander, R.B. 1965. A taxonomic revision of the genus Megetra (Coleoptera: Meloidae) with ecological and behavioral notes. The Canadian Entomologist, vol. 97, no. 6, pp. 561-580
Internet References
Denison University image of
M. vittata from Cibola County, NM.
Meloidae.com photos of several specimens, including
M. cancellata, and
M. punctata.
both references fixed & updated (HW)
