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Photo#546160
Mordellistena - Mordellistena picipennis
Copyright © 2011 Brad Barnd

Mordellistena - Mordellistena picipennis
Hancock County, Indiana, USA
July 3, 2011
Size: 3.5 mm
Collected at UV light.

Ridges appear to be 3-3-2, which would key to near M. smithi/M. morula in Liljeblad (1).

I favor M. smithi based on the testaceous front and middle legs (M. morula is described as 'all black'). However, M. smithi should have reddish elytral markings, which I don't see here. The dorsum is covered thickly in a yellowish pubescence and it seems to be all black beneath.

Edit: After reexamining ridges as suggested by Tim Moyer, this seems to key to M. picipennis.

Images of this individual: tag all
Mordellistena - Mordellistena picipennis Mordellistena - Mordellistena picipennis
Contributed by Brad Barnd on 15 July, 2011 - 7:58pm
Last updated 21 May, 2012 - 1:40pm

Moved tentatively
Moved from Mordellistena.
… Brad Barnd, 21 May, 2012 - 1:37pm

other possibilities?
Brad, please check out Liljeblad's description of M. picipennis Smith. It's billed as a 2,3,1 legger, but then goes on to note that the tibia has a rudimentary ridge, as does the second tarsal, which could make it look like a 3,3,2. Coloration, including legs seems to match also. M. pallipes Smith is also similar, but the coloration seems different. What do you think?
… Tim Moyer, 21 May, 2012 - 12:58pm

 
Thanks Tim
I think you're right. These ridges can be annoyingly deceptive.
… Brad Barnd, 21 May, 2012 - 1:37pm

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