Pasimachus elongatus

LeConte, 1846

Blue-bordered Pedunculate Ground Beetle

Pasimachus elongatus is a large ground beetle in the Carabidae, commonly known as the Blue-bordered Pedunculate Ground Beetle. The is distributed across North America and Central America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It has been documented as a of false wireworms and has been observed in arid and semi-arid including gypsum-capped mesas in Oklahoma. The species serves as for the parasitic mite Ovacarus peellei.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pasimachus elongatus: //pæˈsɪmækəs ɛˈlɒŋɡeɪtəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Observed in arid and semi-arid environments including gypsum-capped red clay mesas in northwestern Oklahoma. Collections have occurred in association with hackberry (Celtis reticulata), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), and soapberry (Sapindus drummondii) vegetation. The has been noted running across open mesa tops.

Distribution

Recorded from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Present in North America and Middle America according to distribution records. Specific collection sites include Gloss Mountain State Park in Major County, Oklahoma.

Seasonality

have been observed in early May in northwestern Oklahoma, with activity noted at temperatures in the mid-70s°F (approximately 24°C).

Diet

of false wireworms (larvae of Eleodes spp., Tenebrionidae).

Host Associations

  • Ovacarus peellei - Podapolipid mite; lariform females found near external genitalia, all stages associated with and vaginal of female beetles

Behavior

are active runners on open ground. One individual was observed being 'pinned' by a collector using a fingertip on a hind , suggesting relatively slow escape response when directly approached.

Ecological Role

of soil-dwelling larvae, specifically false wireworms.

More Details

Taxonomic note

Authority sometimes cited as LeConte, 1848 in some sources (e.g., NCBI), though 1846 is the accepted date in GBIF and other taxonomic databases.

Sources and further reading