Strigoderma knausi
(Brown, 1925)
A small scarab beetle to the Great Plains sand dune systems of south-central Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas. Males are frequently encountered by sweeping low vegetation or at light traps, where they adopt a characteristic horizontal posture with forelegs extended and antennal clubs spread to detect female . The was described from specimens collected by Warren Knaus in 1923–1925 at the type locality near Medora, Kansas, and named in his honor. Females are extraordinarily rare in collections, with only a single specimen among nearly 100 examined by Bader (1992).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Strigoderma knausi: //ˌstraɪɡoʊˈdɜːrmə ˈknaʊzi//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the similar Strigoderma pygmaea by the presence of a (furrow) on the pronotum; S. pygmaea lacks this sulcus. Small-bodied scarab with enlarged, in males. Males exhibit a characteristic horizontal perching posture on vegetation with forelegs extended and antennal clubs splayed, presumably for detection.
Habitat
Sand dune systems and associated sandy grasslands; specifically the Great Plains sand hills region.
Distribution
South-central Kansas (type locality near Medora, Reno County), Oklahoma, and northern Texas.
Seasonality
active in June; peak activity coincides with early summer conditions.
Behavior
Males are diurnally active on low vegetation and nocturnally attracted to light traps. When perched on vegetation, males adopt a distinctive posture: clinging with middle and hind legs while extending the body nearly horizontally, holding forelegs free and spreading antennal club segments widely. This posture is interpreted as an for detecting female-emitted . Females are rarely observed, suggesting they may be or otherwise cryptic.
Similar Taxa
- Strigoderma pygmaeaSimilar small size and sandy preference, but lacks the pronotal present in S. knausi and has a broader southeastern U.S. distribution.