Miniprionus
Central Asian Miniprionus
PrioninaePrionini
W. Palearctic spp.
1
European spp.
1
Body length
12–20 mm
Activity
Nocturnal
Flight season
Summer–Autumn
Overwinters as
larva
Larva type
MRTVE_TV
Biotope
forest-saproxylic
Overview
Miniprionus
*Miniprionus* [auct., verify] is a small, monotypic genus of Prioninae known from the arid steppe zones of Central Asia, restricted to Uzbekistan at elevations up to 1000 m. Adults are robust, brown to dark in coloration, reaching 12–20 mm, and are strictly nocturnal, flying from June to September and readily attracted to UV light. Larvae develop over 2–5 years deep within the roots and woody tissues of dead or dying steppe shrubs. The genus is rarely encountered and carries an IUCN status of Near Threatened.
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 birch
QuercusBetula
⚑ Conservation note: none
External resources
Field tip: Nocturnal, often large; attracted to light (UV lamp). Steppe/dry habitat. Monotypic genus — rare.