ARS | Publication request: New records of Caribbomerus from Hispaniola with redescription of C. elongatus (Fisher) and a key to the genus in the West Indies (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Graciliini)

Submitted to: ZooKeys
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 18, 2011
Publication Date: March 15, 2011
Citation: Lingafelter, S.W. 2011. New records of Caribbomerus from Hispaniola with redescription of C. elongatus (Fisher) and a key to the genus in the West Indies (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Graciliini). ZooKeys. 85:27-39.

Interpretive Summary: Longhorned beetles are very important to agriculture and the economy because they destroy wood during their early developmental stages. Many species of wood boring beetles are intercepted at ports-of-entry in the United States and are potential pests. This study redescribes one longhorned woodboring beetle from Hispaniola and provides a key and detailed photographs to identifiy all 9 species of the genus known from the Caribbean/West Indies region. This region is a common origin for invasive species into the U.S. and a biodiversity hot-spot. This study will be important to port identifiers, regulatory personnel associated with APHIS-PPQ, and scientists and laypersons concerned with woodboring beetles and Caribbean fauna.

Technical Abstract: Three species of Caribbomerus Vitali are newly recorded for the Dominican Republic: C. decoratus (Zayas), C. elongatus (Fisher), and C. asperatus (Fisher). The first two also represent first records for Hispaniola. Caribbomerus elongatus (Fisher) is redescribed based on additional material, including the first known males. A key to the species of the genus from the West Indies is provided.