Dipropus

Members of Dipropus can be distinguished from other elaterid genera by the combination of: prosternal process with distinct lateral carinae; mesosternal cavity with well-defined margins; and antennal structure with serrate or pectinate segments in most species. Specific identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia and detailed sculpturing patterns on the pronotum and elytra. The genus is most readily separated from similar New World elaterid genera such as Agriotes and Dalopius by the form of the prosternal suture and the relative proportions of the pronotum.

North, Central, and South America. The genus shows broad distribution across the New World tropics and subtropics, with records from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and into South America.

Possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism of Elateridae: when placed on the dorsum, individuals can rapidly flex the body using the prosternal spine and mesosternal groove to launch into the air, typically landing on their feet. This righting behavior is a defensive response to predation attempts.

• AgriotesSimilar body form and distribution in the Americas; distinguished by prosternal suture structure and antennal morphology
• DalopiusOverlaps in geographic range and general appearance; differs in pronotal shape and prosternal process configuration

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