Temnoscheila acuta
LeConte, 1858
Temnoscheila acuta is a bark-gnawing beetle in the Trogossitidae. The was described by LeConte in 1858. It closely resembles Eleodes suturalis, a darkling beetle with which it shares size, coloration, and a reddish-brown sutural stripe on the . Both species occur sympatrically in the Great Plains region. T. acuta averages larger than E. suturalis, approximately 30 mm versus under 26 mm.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Temnoscheila acuta: /tɛmnoʊˈskaɪlə əˈkjuːtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the sympatric Eleodes suturalis by the rounded (not upturned) lateral borders of the pronotum. Averages larger than E. suturalis, approximately 30 mm in length versus under 26 mm. Both share black coloration with a reddish-brown sutural stripe on the .
Images
Habitat
Associated with coniferous forests, particularly areas with dead or dying conifers.
Distribution
Great Plains region of North America, including southwestern South Dakota and the White Sands area of New Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Eleodes suturalisNearly identical in appearance including black coloration with reddish-brown sutural stripe. Distinguished by upturned (not rounded) lateral pronotal borders and smaller average size.