Asbolus mexicanus

Champion, 1884

Asbolus mexicanus is a described by Champion in 1884. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, inhabiting arid environments with sandy or scrubby vegetation. The species was originally distinguished from by its opaque, broader, and less convex body form, with a flatter and characteristic elytral punctation.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asbolus mexicanus: /ˈæsbələs mɛksɪˈkeɪnəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from Asbolus laevis and other by the combination of: opaque (not shiny) ; broader, flatter, less convex body; wider anteriorly with more produced angles; and with rows of shallow punctures basally rather than smooth or differently sculptured.

Appearance

Body opaque, broader, and less convex than related in the . broader, wider in , flatter and less convex, with angles more produced. less convex, broader at the base and less rounded at the sides, with rows of shallow punctures toward the base.

Habitat

Dry, sandy zones and arid scrubby . Associated with desert and semi-desert environments where substrates are loose and vegetation is sparse.

Distribution

Southwestern United States (southern California to Texas) and northern Mexico (Baja California to Coahuila).

Similar Taxa

  • Asbolus laevisSimilar congeneric distinguished by more convex, shinier body and smoother lacking puncture rows; more convex with less produced angles.
  • Asbolus verrucosusRelated congeneric with similar arid preferences but differing in body and coloration; A. verrucosus has a distinctive coating and death-feigning not documented for A. mexicanus.

More Details

Original Description

Champion (1884, p. 73) provided the original differential comparing A. mexicanus to A. laevis, emphasizing body shape, convexity, and thoracic and elytral characters.

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Sources and further reading