G. it. Ent., 8 (43): 125-155
August 31, 1996
Torneutini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of Argentina. Part I.
Their relation to the "South American area of Prosopis L."
and to the xerophilous Acacia Miller (Mimosaceae)
by
OSVALDO R. DI IORIO
Abstract - The species of the Torneutini (Cerambycinae) in Argentina are mainly present in the so called "South American area of Prosopis" and where the xerophilous Acacia Miller (Mimosaceae) range, i.e. the phytogeographical provinces of the Chacoan Dominion: Monte, Chaco and Espinal. They belong to the genus Dragomiris (3 species), Dragoneutes (2 species), Macellidiopygus (1 species), Psygmatocerus (2 species), Ranqueles (3 species), Scapanopygus (1 species), Spathopygus (1 species) and Torneutes (1 species). The males of Dragomiris major and Dragoneutes baculus, and the female of Dragoneutes obscurus are described and illustrated for the first time. Psygmatocerus pubescens Bruch, 1926 is considered a distinct species; lectotype and paralectotype are designated. Psygmatocerus elegans Lane, 1939 is a synonym of P. wagleri (Perty, 1838). Ranqueles steparius, new species, is described and illustrated. The larvae of some genera live in the dead tissues of live plants (hardwood); only last instar larvae can be reared in dead host plants and complete successfully their development up to adult emergence. The southern limit to the distribution of the Torneutini in Argentina is the south of the Chubut district in Patagonia, also austral limit for the ligneous species of Prosopis.
