These species can be found inside the base of the leaves of bromeliads. They leave circular tunnels in the base of the bromeliad, which may take away the ability of the tank to hold water. 

With molecular data, we identified two species: COLC01, COLC02. The barcoding region of Metamasius sp. [COLC01] matched 99.8% with Metamasius sellatus according to the BOLD database. Metamasius sp. [COLC02] is potentially a different species however morphological differences haven’t been evaluated.

 

It’s most likely these species are not cryptic, however a deeper taxonomic review is needed to confirm the species differences and identification.

 

Adults were also found in the interior of bromeliads, though they weren’t collected. 

 

Habitat: Plant tissue. Parasitic.