Longicorn ID: Tool for Diagnosing Cerambycoid Families, Subfamilies, and Tribes

Mesosini

Classification

Introduction

The tribe Mesosini Mulsant, 1839 currently contains 660 species in 99 genera. Photographs of 25 exemplar specimens are currently available for this tribe.

Diagnostic Features of Adults

Body small to moderate-sized, approximately 10-40 mm; generally elongate; body without metallic reflection. Eyes generally reniform, complete (not completely divided into upper and lower lobes). Antennae filiform, unarmed; antennae variable in length, from short (not extending beyond elytral apices) to long (generally extending beyond elytral apices by several segments); antennae with or without dense setae along segments. Head without distinct lateral or anterior projections. Pronotum shape variable, from cylindrical (distinctly longer than wide) to approximately subquadrate (about as long as wide); lateral margins of pronotum without distinct spines or blunt tubercles. Mesocoxal cavity open to mesepimeron. Wings generally complete. Legs with tarsal claws smooth; claws broadly divergent (divaricate).

Diagnostic Features of Larvae

Larva. Head abruptly and strongly constricted near posterior third; strongly sclerotized and bearing eight setiferous pores. Antennal foramen open behind and entered by frontal suture. One pair of ocelli present. Antenna with third segment elongate; supplementary process strongly tapering. Hypostoma ferruginous, with anterior region steeply sloping down to anterior margin; a pair of para median setiferous pores present. Gular sutures indiscernible, but a pale median ventral cleavage line present. Abdomen with ampullae with one transverse furrow and two transverse rows of smooth glabrous tubercles, anterior to which are a few irregularly arranged ones; the two rows are interrupted by a median longitudinal furrow. Ninth tergum with a small median spine which has no basal pigmented zone. Spiracles with marginal chambers. Adapted from Duffy (1953).

Geographic Distribution of Tribe

Biology and Economic Importance

Biology unknown for members of this tribe. Species of this tribe are potentially invasive outside their native range.

Selected References to Adult Specimens

Selected References to Larvae Specimens

All Mesosini exemplar species images


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