Eleodes obscura dispersa

A subspecies of darkling beetle in the genus Eleodes, family Tenebrionidae. As part of the Eleodes obscura species complex, it shares the general 'clown beetle' body plan characteristic of this diverse North American genus. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader E. obscura range. Like other Eleodes, it possesses the defensive 'head stand' posture when threatened, elevating the abdomen to release defensive secretions.