Phymatodes decussatus (LeConte)

Swift, Ian P. & Ray, Ann M., 2010, Nomenclatural changes in North American Phymatodes Mulsant (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), Zootaxa 2448, pp. 35-52 : 42

Phymatodes decussatus (LeConte)

(Figs 9, 36, 37)

Callidium decussatum LeConte, 1857: 61 . Type locality: Sacramento, California, USA. CASC

Phymatodes decussatus, Leng, 1884:100 .

Phymatodes juglandis Leng, 1890:214 . Type locality: Los Angeles, California USA. SIIS (type missing) NEW SYNONYMY

Phymatodes fasciapilosus Van Dyke, 1920:33 . Type locality: Rogue River Valley, Oregon, USA. CASC

The type of P. decussatus closely matches Leng’s description of P. juglandis . Both species have setose elytral fasciae, similar coloration (red-brown elytral with two white fasciae), and similar antennal ratios. In addition, both P. decussatus and P. juglandis have been reared from Juglans spp. ( Juglandaceae ), and are the only species of Phymatodes known from this host ( Linsley 1964). Unfortunately, the type of P. juglandis is either lost or was never designated, making direct comparison between these two species difficult. Nevertheless, based on Leng’s description and information on life history, the above synonymy is proposed.

Linsley (1964), as well as Chemsak (1963), confused P. juglandis and P. decussatus (= P. obliquus Casey ), possibly due to the absence of a juglandis type. Linsley (1964), however, did consider P. fasciapilosus synonymous with P. juglandis . Both authors considered P. decussatus (= obliquus ) the taxon with non-setose, arcuate fasciae, and P. juglandis wtih setose, angulate fasciae. The two species are superficially similar in overall coloration; both having the basal half of the elytra red-brown; the apical portion dark brown to almost black; two pairs of white fasciae; and the pronotum, head, and legs, red-brown. However, they differ as indicated above. See also the discussion of P. obliquus .

Specimens examined: 97, including the type of P. decussatus and P. fasciapilosus