Polymorphism in Languria taedata LeConte, its occurrence in coastal Louisiana Spartina marshes, and clarification of some Motschulsky languriine types (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae)

摘要

We clarify the diagnosis and geographic distribution of the widespread, variable eastern coastal species Languria taedata LeConte, 1854, in North America. After examining types and the range of variation and geographical distribution of the species, we propose synonymy of L. erythrocephalus Blatchley, 1924, withL. taedata, new synonymy. We report the discovery of an all-piceous form ("Form C"), the first of the genus, found primarily along the western Gulf Coast of the United States. The recognitionof this form requires a modification to the most recent key to North American genera of Languriinae. The larvae of L. taedata feed within the stems of Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Poaceae). We provide additional notes on the occurrence of L. taedata incoastal marshes in Louisiana. The types of L. apicalis Motschulsky, L. ni-griceps Motschulsky, L. obscura Motschulsky, and L. rufiventris are reexamined. A revised synonymic checklist is provided for North American Languriini.