G. it. Ent., 8 (43): 87-94
August 31, 1996
Biology of Psalidognathus germaini durnfordi (Burmeister, 1879)
(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae)
in Patagonia, Argentina
by
OSVALDO R. DI IORIO
Abstract - Observations on the biology of the big Prioninae, Psalidognathus germaini durnfordi were made in Patagonia. The first host plant records for the beetle in Argentina - Atriplex lampa (Chenopodiaceae) and Anarthrophyllum rigidum (Fabaceae) - are given. Its larvae feed on the roots of living plants, making inner and outer tunnels that are described and illustrated. Larvae of different size (divided into four groups by length) were collected from host plants at the same time, indicating a superposition of generations. Bigger ones (groups III and IV) are caught by the armadillos, Chaetophractus villosus (Mammalia). Morphological and behaviour adaptations to life in desert environments by larvae and adults of P. g. durnfordi are discussed, being similar to those of some other desert-dwelling Cerambycidae from North America, one of them living on the same host plant genus. Causes and mechanisms of mass emergence in these beetles are also treated.
