Harlequin beetle

Harlequin beetle
The beetle in its habitat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Cerambycidae
Subfamily: Lamiinae
Tribe: Acrocinini
Genus: Acrocinus
Species: A. longimanus
Binomial name
Acrocinus longimanus
(Linnaeus, 1758)

The harlequin beetle (Acrocinus longimanus) is a large tropical longhorned beetle native to the Americas, especially from southern Mexico to Brazil in South America.[1] The harlequin beetle feeds on sap and is given this name because of its elaborate pattern of black, red and greenish yellow markings on the wing covers of both sexes.[2] The species name longimanus is a Latin word that refers to the extremely long forelegs (manus) of the males, which are usually longer than the beetle’s entire body. As an adult, the species is very large, with a body that can measure nearly 76 mm (3 inches) in length.[3] It is also famous for carrying pseudoscorpions as a form of phoresy.


References

  1. Henderson, Carrol L.; Janzen, Daniel H. (2010). Butterflies, Moths, and Other Invertebrates of Costa Rica: A Field Guide. University of Texas Press. p. 130. ISBN 0-292-71966-3. Retrieved 24 Jan 2011.
  2. Evans, Arthur V.; Bellamy, Charles L. (2000). An inordinate fondness for beetles. University of California Press. p. 130. ISBN 0-520-22323-3. Retrieved 24 Jan 2011.
  3. "Harlequin beetle." Encyclopædia Britannica Online.

Further reading

External links

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