Armored Darkling Beetle
Eleodes armata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
- Family: Tenebrionidae
- Subfamily: Blaptinae
- Tribe: Amphidorini
- Genus: Eleodes
- Species: armata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eleodes armata: /ɛˈleɪoʊdiz ɑrˈmɑtə/
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Summary
Eleodes armata, also known as the armored stink beetle, is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, prevalent in arid regions of the western United States and Mexico. Characterized by its dark coloration and spurs on the legs, it plays a role in the decomposition of organic matter.
Physical Characteristics
24-35 mm in length; has spurs on all legs.
Identification Tips
Look for its dark color and spurs on the legs, typical of desert stink beetles.
Habitat
Arid environments in warmer, drier regions, particularly in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Distribution
Found in California, Arizona, and Nevada, as well as in Mexico.
Diet
Detritivorous, feeding on decaying organic materials.
Life Cycle
Active year-round with a peak activity in fall; nocturnal during summer, diurnal in cooler seasons.
Ecosystem Role
Contributes to the breakdown of organic matter in desert ecosystems.
Tags
- Eleodes armata
- Armored Darkling Beetle
- Stink Beetle
- Tenebrionidae
- Coleoptera