Statira defecta
Schaeffer, 1905
Statira defecta is a of darkling beetle in the Tenebrionidae, Lagriinae. The Statira belongs to a group formerly classified as the family Lagriidae, now treated as a subfamily within Tenebrionidae. These beetles are characterized by elongated bodies and long-jointed that distinguish them from more typical darkling beetles. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1905. Little specific biological information is documented for this particular species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Statira defecta: /staˈti.ra deˈfek.ta/
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Identification
Statira defecta can be distinguished from ground beetles (Carabidae) and other darkling beetles by its long-jointed , a characteristic feature of the Lagriinae . Unlike typical darkling beetles in the subfamily Tenebrioninae, which have bead-like antennae segments, lagriines possess elongated antennal segments. The are concealed beneath the rather than exposed and forward-directed as in predatory ground beetles. Members of Statira move slowly rather than running rapidly, and lack the -standing defensive seen in Eleodes and related .
Similar Taxa
- Ground beetles (Carabidae)Easily confused with darkling beetles; distinguished by exposed forward-directed , longer-than-wide antennal segments, and rapid running
- Eleodes and related darkling beetlesTypical darkling beetles with bead-like and characteristic -standing defensive posture; Statira lacks these traits
- Other LagriinaeShare the long-jointed but may differ in body proportions and specific antennal segment ratios