NATIVE HAWAIIAN SAP BEETLES

Orthostolus

Sharp 1908 

 

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Four of the species in Orthostolus are all very closely related and are relatively large, 4.5-7.0 mm in length.

They are restricted to Lobelioids (Clermontia, Lobelia, Trematolobelia, etc.). They can be extremely abundant in deacaying stems, flowers, and fruits, and in fresh flowers. They prefer stems with a very strong yeasty smell. Species are known from every island except the Big Island.

Five species were relatively common until the 1930's. Since that time no specimen has been collected. They were associated primarily with koa trees, being found at sap fluxes and under decaying bark. These species may all be extinct.

 

Content copyright Curtis Ewing © 2006