Dorcadion (Cribridorcadion) mniszechi Kraatz, 1873
ssp. mniszechi Kraatz, 1873

Subfamilia: LAMIINAE  /  Tribus: DORCADIONINI
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi ♀ face [Photo © M.Hoskovec]

This beautiful and massive Dorcadion species, by body shape and robust head with strong mandibles resembling Lamia textor, is connected with occurence of feather-grass (Stipa spp., Poaceae) which serves as its host plant. We observed and collected majority of these interesting rare beetles climbing or hanging and feeding on feather-grass' stalks and blades. Beetles were very active during short afternoon period (13:00-15:00).

Body length:12 - 25 mm
Life cycle:1 year
Adults in:May - June
Host plant:feather-grass (Stipa spp., Poaceae)
Distribution:Armenia, Iran and Turkey


The depicted beetles were collected and photographed on the host plant (Stipa ssp.) in mountain semi-desert locality of Ashotsk Plateau (elevation 2200 m) located ca 6 km NNW of Amasia (Shirak province, North-West Armenia) on June 15th, 2012.

Collected by M.Hoskovec


Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi - male
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi - male
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi[Photo © M.Hoskovec]

Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi - female
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi - female
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi - female
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi - female
Dorcadion mniszechi mniszechi ♀♀ [Photo © M.Hoskovec]


Subfamilia: Lamiinae Latreille, 1825
Tribus: Dorcadionini Swainson, 1840
Genus: Dorcadion Dalman, 1817
Subgenus: Cribridorcadion Pic, 1901
Species: Dorcadion (Cribridorcadion) mniszechi Kraatz, 1873
Subspecies: Dorcadion (Cribridorcadion) mniszechi mniszechi Kraatz, 1873