Diplotaxis rudis

(LeConte, 1859)

Diplotaxis rudis is a of in the , first described by LeConte in 1859. It belongs to the and tribe Diplotaxini. The species is found in North America, with records from Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas. Very little specific information about its biology or has been documented in the available literature.

Diplotaxis rudis by (c) Bennett Grappone, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bennett Grappone. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diplotaxis rudis: /ˌdɪpləˈtæksɪs ˈruːdɪs/

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

Identification

Diplotaxis rudis is a small in the Diplotaxis. in this genus are typically and are often found on vegetation at night. Identification to species level requires examination of minute morphological characters, including details of (stiff hairs) on various body parts, and examination of . Fresh specimens may show characteristic coloration and patterning useful for field recognition, but definitive identification generally requires collection and expert examination.

Images

Habitat

Based on related in the Diplotaxis, D. rudis likely inhabits open, dry including grasslands, prairies, and desert edges. Related Diplotaxis species are frequently associated with sandy or loose soils. However, specific habitat preferences for D. rudis itself remain undocumented.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas in the United States. The full extent of its range within North America is not well established.

Behavior

Members of the Diplotaxis are typically . Related have been observed congregating on low vegetation at night, where they may feed and mate. Males of some Diplotaxis species are attracted to . However, specific behavioral observations for D. rudis have not been published.

Similar Taxa

Diplotaxis other speciesMany Diplotaxis are superficially similar in size and general appearance, requiring examination of and setal patterns for definitive identification. Some species within the may occur in sympatry with D. rudis.
Other small scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)Small melolonthine share general body form and size, but Diplotaxis can be distinguished by tribal and generic characters including details of the and overall body proportions.