The nominate Osphranteria coerulescens coerulescens is distributed in Iran. Larvae of this insect feed in living twigs and branches of various Rosaceae (Prunus, Amygdalus etc.) and ocassionally when too abundant can cause damage to fruit trees. The adults emit a characteristic scent probably serving as a chemical defence used by the beetles to protect themselves against would be predators such as insectivorous birds.
MH & MR © April 26, 2006
|
