Statira
Lepeletier & Audinet-Serville, 1828
long-jointed beetle
Species Guides
13- Statira basalis(long-jointed beetle)
- Statira croceicollis
- Statira defecta
- Statira dolera(Pale-legged Statira)
- Statira erina(Texas Square-necked Statira)
- Statira gagatina(Coal Darkling Beetle)
- Statira hirsuta
- Statira liebecki
- Statira nigromaculata
Statira is a of darkling beetles ( Tenebrionidae) in the Lagriinae, historically classified as long-jointed beetles in the former family Lagriidae before taxonomic revision. These beetles are characterized by elongated, jointed that distinguish them from typical darkling beetles. The genus is part of a group of beetles that do not conform to the classic darkling beetle , having been assimilated into Tenebrionidae relatively recently. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, particularly in Colombia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Statira: //staˈti.ra//
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Identification
Distinguished from other darkling beetles by the exceptionally long, slender, multi-jointed . Unlike ground beetles (Carabidae), which have antennae with segments longer than wide, Statira has bead-like segments but in greatly elongated form. The are concealed beneath the , unlike the exposed jaws of predatory ground beetles. The overall body is more slender and less heavily sclerotized than many desert-dwelling darkling beetles.
Images
Distribution
Neotropical region; distribution records from Colombia (CO).
Similar Taxa
- LagriaOther long-jointed beetles in the same tribe Lagriini with similar elongated and body form.
- EleodesClassic darkling beetles with which Statira shares Tenebrionidae, but Eleodes has shorter, less prominently segmented and more robust body; Eleodes also exhibits characteristic -standing defensive not associated with Statira.
- HymenorusComb-clawed beetles ( Alleculinae) also recently assimilated into Tenebrionidae; share non-classic darkling beetle but have different antennal structure and tarsal claws.
- Carabidae (ground beetles)Easily confused due to general elongate form, but ground beetles have exposed forward-directed , with segments longer than wide, and rapid running .
More Details
Taxonomic History
Statira was formerly placed in the Lagriidae (long-jointed beetles) before taxonomic revision assimilated this group into Tenebrionidae as Lagriinae. This reclassification reflects modern phylogenetic understanding but means many members, including Statira, do not resemble 'classic' darkling beetles like Eleodes.
Antennal Structure
The extremely long, multi-segmented are the defining feature of this and its relatives, representing an elaboration of the bead-like () antennal type found in many darkling beetles, but with greatly elongated segments.