| Rhipicera | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Rhipicera carinata | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Elateriformia |
| Family: | Rhipiceridae |
| Genus: | Rhipicera Latreille, 1817 |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Rhipicera is a genus of beetle belonging to the family Rhipiceridae. [1] [2] The larvae are parasitoids of cicadas.
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The sexual dimorphism between male and female beetles in the genus Rhipicera has been attributed to using scent in mating behaviors. [2] The antennae of males and females differ in that the males have lamellate antennae while the females' antennae are significantly smaller in comparison. [2] It is thought that the males use their lamellate antennae, more specifically, the sensilla placodea, to detect pheromones that are produced by females. [2] This is suggested by certain mating behaviors, such as distinct flying patterns that have been seen in other species that rely on pheromone tracking. [2] Additionally, there have been observations of multiple adult males trying to mate with a singular female, which is seen in other species and this further supports that pheromones are used to help facilitate mating behaviors. [3]
