Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Tachycines asynamorus Adelung, 1902. Type locality: botanic garden in St. Petersberg, Russia
Tachycines minor Chopard, 1963. Type locality: Sakashita-ana Cave at Kamiyamada, Katsume, Kagoshima Pref., Japan
Tachycines meditationis Würmli, 1973. Type locality: Ningbo [Ning-po], Zhejiang, China
Diestrammena (Tachycines) asynamora (Adelung) Sugimoto, 2002
Explanation of Names
In 1898, S. H. Scudder (3) identified insects found by Otto Lugger in Minnesota as Diestrammena maromorata. Subsequently the species turned up in numerous locations east of the Rockies in North America, primarily in the northeastern United States. Until 1914 this species was misidentified as D. marmorata (= D. japanica) in both Europe (where it had similarly been introduced) and North America, but in that year Chopard (1) discovered and corrected the identification error. However, it was not until 1944 that Rehn (2) again pointed out this error in North America, and that the mistake was generally known and accepted as fact in North America. Sometime more recently, what is apparently the real D. japanica has been introduced into approximately the New York City area, and is apparently limited, so far, to states relatively nearby to that city.
Range
Could turn up worldwide anywhere humans provide suitable habitat. Easily transported in freight, luggage, and nursery stock. Introduced into and apparently now locally common in most of Europe and in the U.S. and southernmost Canada from the Atlantic coast to the east base of the Rockies. Probably originated in China.
Habitat
Perhaps originally found in caves or similar environments. In North America common in basements, cellars, wells, irrigation boxes, sheds, under benches in greenhouses, and similar relatively warm dark damp or humid environments. Often found in aggregations of many individuals. Where conditions are excessively dry, these insects usually are not found.
Season
Probably can be found in all growth stages year-round, but adults seem to be most abundant in summer and autumn.
Food
An opportunistic scavenger, will feed on varied organic material, dead or alive. Sometimes causes damage, particularly to young plants in greenhouses.
Internet References
1)
Chopard, M.L. 1914. 'Sur L'Origine de
Tachycines asynamorus Adelung, Orthopt. Phasgonuridae';
Bulletin du Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle 20(4): 234
2)
Rehn, J.A.G. 1944. 'The Rhaphidophorid
Tachycines asynamorus Adelung in America (Orthoptera,
Grylacrididae, Rhaphidophorinae)'; Entomological News 55(2): 36
3)
Scudder, S.H., 1898. 'Proceedings of the Club'; Psyche VIII: 180
