Microarthron
Central Asian Microarthron
PrioninaePrionini
W. Palearctic spp.
1
European spp.
1
Body length
12–22 mm
Activity
Nocturnal
Flight season
Summer–Autumn
Overwinters as
larva
Larva type
MRTVE_TV
Biotope
forest-saproxylic
Overview
Microarthron
*Microarthron* [auct., verify] is a monotypic Prioninae genus confined to the arid steppes of Central Asia, known from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan between sea level and 1500 m elevation. Adults are robust, brown to dark-coloured beetles of 12–22 mm, largely glabrous and strongly built, active nocturnally and capable of sustained flight. Larvae develop over two to five years deep within the roots and heartwood of dead or dying steppe shrubs. Adults are attracted to UV light and do not feed, or feed only on sap.
Seasonal activity
Flight season: Summer–Autumn
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Green = active months · Orange = peak
Host plants
Primary hosts: oak
PistaciaQuercus
⚑ Conservation note: none
External resources
Field tip: Nocturnal, often large; attracted to light (UV lamp). Steppe/dry habitat. Monotypic genus — rare.