Eleodes acuticauda
This record describes Eleodes acuticauda (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
(Below comments drawn from experts on ) Strongly arcuate pronotum twice width of the head with dentate projections on the anterior corners. Versus Coelocnemis, has a large, broad head rather than a small one, and spines are present on the first pair of legs. (Another trait separating Coelocnemis is the presence of golden hairs on the underside of the legs.) The gender of Eleodes is feminine , so adjectivic species names end -is or -a, not -um.
Wikipedia reference for Eleodes acuticauda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleodes_acuticauda.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Blaptinae
- Tribe
- Amphidorini
- Genus
- Eleodes (Desert Stink Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TBA ( map ) Common in the Los Angeles area
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes acuticauda LeConte 1851
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes acuticauda. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Eleodes acuticauda (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov , James Bailey , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Eleodes acuticauda
What is Eleodes acuticauda?
Eleodes acuticauda is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Eleodes acuticauda?
(Below comments drawn from experts on ) Strongly arcuate pronotum twice width of the head with dentate projections on the anterior corners. Versus Coelocnemis, has a large, broad head rather than a small one, and spines are present on the first pair of legs. (Another trait separating Coelocnemis is the presence of golden hairs on the underside of the legs.)
Where is Eleodes acuticauda found?
Range: TBA ( map ) Common in the Los Angeles area