Athoplastus acutus

Distinguished from congeneric species by subtle morphological features including occasional impunctate areas on either side of the midline (rare, found only in some northern Idaho specimens). Male genitalia show subtle variation but without geographic pattern. The species exhibits apparent adult sexual dimorphism.

Associated with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests. Adults have been collected at the base of ponderosa pines at dusk and at ultraviolet light traps.

Known from westernmost Montana, northern Idaho (north of Idaho County), and the northeast corner of Washington State.

Adults active in early spring; field observations indicate dusk flight activity.

• Pinus ponderosa - Habitat associationAdults collected at base of trees; likely breeding habitat

Larvae tentatively associated with adults at three Montana sites; associations confirmed using DNA barcoding. Larvae have been collected but not successfully reared to adulthood.

Adults exhibit crepuscular activity, observed flying at dusk. Both sexes attracted to UV light. Males and females found together at same location at base of ponderosa pine.

• Other Athoplastus speciesA. acutus is one of four species in the genus; distinguished by broader range, greater specimen numbers, and subtle morphological features including rare impunctate midline areas
• Aplastus species (historical)Originally described in Aplastus; transferred to Athoplastus based on revised generic concepts

• Elateridae
• click beetle
• Northwestern USA
• ponderosa pine
• crepuscular
• UV light attraction
• DNA barcoding
• sexual dimorphism

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
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