Coelocnemis sulcata

A tenebrionid beetle distinguished from similar darkling beetles by its nocturnal arboreal habits on conifer trunks. Differs from Eleodes species, which are primarily ground-dwelling. Separated from Zopherus utahensis, which shares the same habitat and behavior, by genus-level characters including body form and elytral structure.

Ponderosa pine and juniper woodlands in southwestern Utah. Found on the trunks of large, mature Pinus ponderosa and Juniperus osteosperma trees. Occurs at elevations around 6000 feet in sand dune-adjacent woodlands and campground settings with substantial conifer cover.

Southwestern Utah, specifically documented from Ponderosa Grove Campground north of Kanab in Kane County.

Late summer activity, with observations in early to mid-September.

• Pinus ponderosa - habitatObserved on trunks at night
• Juniperus osteosperma - habitatObserved on trunks at night

Strictly nocturnal, active on tree trunks after dark. Has been observed in mating pairs on Ponderosa pine trunks. Shows strong fidelity to large, mature conifer trees. Not attracted to light traps or baited jug traps.

• Eleodes obscura sulcipennisSympatric tenebrionid also found on Ponderosa pine trunks at night; distinguished by different genus affiliation and presumably body proportions
• Zopherus utahensisSympatric zopherid beetle sharing nocturnal arboreal habits on same tree species; separated by family-level characters and body form

• nocturnal
• arboreal
• conifer-associated
• southwestern US endemic
• late summer activity
• tenebrionidae
• coleoptera

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Oecanthidae | Beetles In The Bush