Hypocephalus armatus

Hypocephalus armatus
Museum specimen of Hypocephalus armatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Cerambycidae
Subfamily: Anoplodermatinae
Genus: Hypocephalus
Species: H. armatus
Binomial name
Hypocephalus armatus
Desmarest, 1832
Synonyms
  • Mesoclastus paradoxus Gistel, 1837

Hypocephalus armatus, The Mole Beetle, is a species of beetle in the Cerambycidae family. It is the only species in the genus Hypocephalus.

Description

Hypocephalus armatus can reach a body length of about 45–58 millimetres (1.8–2.3 in). This rare species has an evident sexual dimorphism, as the very strong legs of the males are more developed than in females. It is very similar in appearance to a mole cricket. In both sexes the flight wings are absent, the prothorax is ovoid and shiny black, the dark brown elytra are welded together and the hind legs are much heavier than the others and adapted for digging. Adult males can be found from November to March, usually after the rains, when they dig into the soil.

Distribution

This species can be found in Brazil, in the north of Minas Gerais and southern Bahia. It has a fossorial habit and live in underground galleries.

References


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