|
Moneilemini
''Moneilema'', or cactus longhorn beetles are a genus of large, flightless, black beetles found in North American deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico. '' M. gigas'' is native to the Sonoran Desert at elevations below 4900 feet (1500m). The front wings of these beetles are fused forming a single, hardened shell, from which the genus derives its Latin name. The genus includes twenty species. Longhorn cactus beetles feed on chollas and prickly pear cacti and are known to feed on saguaro seedlings. Larvae bore into cactus roots and stems, sometimes killing more susceptible individuals. Adults also feed on the surface of cacti. Most ''Moneilema'' species are active during mid or late summer - the adults typically emerging during the summer monsoon season. Some ''Moneilema'' species in central and southern Mexico are reported to be active all year. Like many flightless beetles, these beetles have limited wing musculature with a rounded abdomen and thorax, similar ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Moneilema Gigas
file:Moneilema gigas P1090035b.jpg, ''Moneilema gigas'', Pima County, Arizona file:Moneilema gigas P1090046a.jpg, ''Moneilema gigas'', Pima County, Arizona ''Moneilema gigas'' is a large, flightless, black beetle native to the Sonoran Desert, Sonoran desert at elevations below 1500 metres. The front wings are fused forming a single, hardened shell. Collectively - with 19 other ''Moneilema'' species - ''M. gigas'' is also known as the cactus longhorn beetle. ''Moneilema gigas'' normally feeds on Cylindropuntia, chollas and Opuntia, prickly pear cacti, and is known to feed on saguaro seedlings. Larvae bore into cactus roots and stems, sometimes killing more susceptible individuals. Adults also feed on the surface of cacti. ''M. gigas'' are most active during mid or late summer - the adults typically emerging during the summer monsoon season. Like many flightless beetles, these beetles have limited wing musculature with a rounded abdomen and thorax, similar in appearance to a num ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |