First record of Molorchus minor minor (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in Brazil

Abstract

Molorchus minor minor (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) is recorded for the first time in Brazil (Bahia). It was originally described from Europe and is currently widely distributed in that continent and Asia.

Cerambycinae; Molorchini; Neotropical; New record

Molorchini Gistel is a tribe of Cerambycinae that occurs in the Americas, only in Canada, the United States, Cuba and parts of South America. The tribe is represented on the American continent by two genera: Molorchus Fabricius, 1793, with M. bimaculatus Say, 1824 (with six subspecies), M. eburneus Linsley, 1931, and M. longicollis LeConte, 1873; and Merionoedopsis Gounelle, 1911, with M. aeneiventrisGounelle, 1911, and M. brevipennis Melzer, 1934 (Monné, 2014).

During the process of identification of specimens of Cerambycidae sent by Vitor Becker (a Brazilian expert in Lepidoptera), we found two female specimens of Molorchus minor minor (Linnaeus, 1758). The specimens were collected on November 23, 2013 in the Brazilian state of Bahia, in the city of Porto Seguro (Arraial d'Ajuda; 16°27'S, 39°03'W; 40 m). As two specimens were collected, we believe that the species is acclimated and may be reproducing in Brazil.

Molorchus minor minor was originally described from Europe, without detailed place. According to Sama (2002), M. minor is recorded in "Europe, Turkey, Iran, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Siberia, Mongolia, Korean peninsula, northern China, Japan," and according to him: "Development in coniferous trees: Abies, Picea, Pinus, Larix."

Pinus has been widely used in reforestation areas in southern Bahia. Thus, the existence of this kind of tree in the area makes it possible to maintain a population of M. m. minor.

Acknowledgments

We express our sincere thanks to Larry G. Bezark, for the corrections to the manuscript.

References

• Monné, M.A., 2014. Catalogue of the Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) of the Neotropical Region. Available at: http://www.cerambyxcat.com/Parte1_Cerambycinae.pdf [accessed 5 Dec 2014].
  » http://www.cerambyxcat.com/Parte1_Cerambycinae.pdf
• Sama, G., 2002. Atlas of the Cerambycidae of Europe and the Mediterranean Area. Volume 1: Northern, Western, Central and Eastern Europe. British Isles and Continental Europe from France (excl. Corsica) to Scandinavia and Urals. Vít Kabourek, Kabourek, Zlín.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Jan-Mar 2015

History

• Received
  23 Sept 2014
• Accepted
  05 Dec 2014