Asbolus papillosus
(Triplehorn, 1964)
Asbolus papillosus is a ( ) to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It inhabits arid, sandy environments including the Sonoran Desert. The is distinguished from by its and relatively short tarsal hairs. Like other members of the , it likely exhibits (death-feigning ) as an antipredator defense, though this has not been specifically documented for this species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asbolus papillosus: /ˈæs.bo.lʊs pəˈpɪl.oʊ.səs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Asbolus by: (1) more with pronounced surface texture, and (2) shorter hairs on the . These traits require close examination and comparison with related species. The species shares the general body plan with hardened (elytra) covering the .
Images
Habitat
Dry, sandy in desert environments. Specifically documented from the Sonoran Desert region.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (southern California) and northwestern Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Asbolus verrucosusCongeneric with which it shares -level traits; distinguished by A. papillosus having more and shorter tarsal hairs
- Other TenebrionidaeGeneral resemblance to ; specific identification requires examination of elytral granularity and tarsal hair length