shoegazer Posted August 1, 2012 Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 So here's something some of you might find interesting. While out roadcruising a few weeks ago, I collected several Eleodes suturalis and hispilabris. I also collected what I thought at first to be the most enormous suturalis I'd ever seen. While all the other suturalis I was catching were between 22-25mm, this one was 33m! On closer inspection now, I think it may be a hybrid between the two or a new species entirely. The elytra and pronotum are sort of intermediate between the more rounded hispilabris and the flared suturalis. Also, it can't be seen in the photos, but the purple coloration also exists on the "ventral-facing" surfaces of the elytra, which I've never seen on any individual of these two species. Finally, though it is in with several males of both species (which readily mount females of the opposite species), I have yet to see any males show interest in this one. L to R: suturalis, unknown, hispilabris L to R: Unknown, suturalis, hispilabris Top to Bottom: hispilabris, unknown, suturalis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Minard Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Eleodes acutus. Look it up. It lives in Kansas, so I believe it's the beetle you have. Nice beetle BTW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inle Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Very cool looking beetles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoegazer Posted August 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 @Ryan - You're so right. I've never come across acutus anywhere in KS before, and this was the only one out of about 100 Eleodes I saw on the road. But yeah, it fits the bill perfectly. I really need to find some more now. @Inle - They're a very active and interesting display beetle, highly recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inle Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 I know Eleodes suturalis are found around here. I just need to find them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.