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

Vesperidae

Classification

Introduction

The family Vesperidae Mulsant, 1839 currently contains ~67 species in 3 subfamilies. Photographs of 18 exemplar specimens are currently available for this family. This relatively small family has traditionally been classified as a subfamily of Cerambycidae.

Diagnostic Features of Adults

Lightly pigmented and weakly sclerotized beetles with a distinct neck region. Old World species narrowly elongate with male antennae usually longer than body; Vesperus with head abruptly narrowed at base to form neck and with brachypterous, wingless females; New World forms highly variable, including burrowing forms with short antennae and enlarged hind legs
Length 8.5-50 mm. Antenna 11-segmented, filiform, moniliform, serrate, pectinate, flabellate or clavate. Insertions exposed or concealed. Prosternal process complete or incomplete. Procoxae projecting or not, with exposed trochantins. Procoxal cavities strongly transverse to circular, externally open or closed, internally open or closed. Mesocoxal cavities narrowly separated, laterally open. Tarsi 5-5-5 or pseudotetramerous. Abdomen with 5, 7 or 8 free ventrites (Lawrence, 2007).

Diagnostic Features of Larvae

Geographic Distribution of Family

Biology and Economic Importance

Adults on plant surfaces; larvae in wood or subterranean root systems (Lawrence, 2007).

Selected References to Adult Specimens

Selected References to Larvae Specimens


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