Species Calopteron reticulatum - Reticulated Net-winged Beetle

Banded net-winged beetle

Calopteron reticulatum (Fabricius)

Orig. Comb: Lycus reticulatus Fabricius 1775

9.5–18.0 mm (1)

e NA (QC-FL to ON-MN-SD-TX) / Mex. (1)(2)

Larvae are found in large groups. "The congregation occurs because, often enough, prime oviposition sites are located by several females, and they dump their eggs in about the same place....sometimes scores of females will find the same site and spawn hundreds of larvae in the same place." See comment by J. Cicero here

See:

In C. discrepans, the upper transverse black band tends to be broad all the way to the edges, whereas in C. reticulatum, it tends either to taper at the edges or be narrow its entire length. This trait is not diagnostic, but may be helpful. In C. discrepans, the sutural extension of the median black band (running lengthwise up the center at the top of the wing) is expanded basally, being widest at the scutellum, whereas in reticulatum, its borders (when it is present) run parallel. The metasternum is entirely black in discrepans, partly reddish in reticulatum. Second antennal segment black in discrepans, rusty in reticulatum. Underside of antennae usually black in discrepans, some segments rusty in reticulatum. (3)

Miller R.S. (1988) Behavior of Calopteron reticulatum (F.) larvae (Coleoptera: Lycidae). Ohio J. Sci. 88(3): 119-120.

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