libutron:Feather-horned Beetle (male) - Rhipicera femorataRhipicera femorata (Coleoptera - Rhipiceri
libutron:Feather-horned Beetle (male) - Rhipicera femorataRhipicera femorata (Coleoptera - Rhipiceridae) is an uncommon beetle, in fact, most members of the small family Rhipiceridae are extremely rare and consequently little or nothing is known about their biology and habits. The adults are easily recognized by the large, fan-shaped antennae composed of many long segments, and the presence of membranous lobes on the tarsal segments.This species occurs in Australia, inhabiting mostly sandy swamplands and immediate environs, with sedges, grasses and other swampy land trees.Larval Rhipiceridae are ectoparasites of cicadas in North America, and it is probable that R. femorata is also parasite of cicadas and that the adult beetles emerge from their hosts in the ground when warmer weather conditions trigger their emergence from the ground surface.References: [1] - [2]Photo credit: ©Kerry Vaneeden | Locality: Perth, Western Australia, Australia (2014) -- source link
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