Eleodes suturalis
This record describes Eleodes suturalis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Say's description of his first encounter with this beetle: ...the party arrived at the village of the Konza [Kansas] Indians, hungry, fatigued, and out of health. Commiserating our situation, these sons of nature, although suffering under the injustice of white people, received us with their characteristic hospitality, and ameliorated our condition by the luxuries of repletion and repose. Whilst sitting in the large earth-covered dwelling of the principal chief, in presence of several hundred of his people, assembled to view the arms, equipments, and appearance of the party, I enjoyed the additional gratification to see an individual of this fine species of Blaps running towards us from the feet of the crowd. The act of empaling this unlucky fugitive at once conferred upon me the respectful and mystic title of medicine man, from the superstitious faith of that simple people. ( Say 1828 )
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
Habitat
Common in sandy wild lands, but also on agricultural crops
Geographic Range
c. US (SD to TX and e.AZ) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes suturalis (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes suturalis. 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 suturalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eleodes suturalis
What is Eleodes suturalis?
Eleodes suturalis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eleodes suturalis?
22-27 mm
Where is Eleodes suturalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Common in sandy wild lands, but also on agricultural crops |
| Range | c. US (SD to TX and e.AZ) - Map |