Spider beetle - Cysteodemus armatus - BugGuide.Net

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Photo#14856

Copyright © 2005 p. roullard

Spider beetle - Cysteodemus armatus

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Coyote Creek, San Diego County, California, USA
April 8, 2005
Size: 3/4"

This beetle is in the blister beetle family. There is some variation in color of these beetles. Sometimes the abdomen appears to be blacker in some individuals. They are typically found in desert areas.

Contributed by p. roullard on 13 April, 2005 - 10:06am
Last updated 3 December, 2005 - 7:02pm

Meloidae

This is actually a Blister Beetle - not familiar enough with the western fauna to say which.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 13 April, 2005 - 10:24am

spider beetle

True they are in the Meloidae as I found out in California insects this morning. They are called spider beetles because of the inflated abdomen and small head similar to a spider.

… p. roullard, 13 April, 2005 - 10:52am

spider beetle family

The Ptininae, a world-wide subfamily of Anobiidae, are known widely spider beetles, hence the raised eyebrow. I'm guessing the term's application to your beetle is only regional, since the species is not widespread.

… Jim McClarin, 21 May, 2005 - 5:58pm

looks good

Apparently, only a couple of species here - don't have key, so will add genus page only for now. Good shot.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 13 April, 2005 - 11:34am

Cysteodemus spp.

Phillip,

I don't believe these spp. are sympatric.

Cysteodemus armatus LeConte - California, mostly white
Cysteodemus wislizeni LeConte - Texas to Arizona, mostly dark

MQ, Austin

Texas Beetle Info
TexasEnto.net/beetles.htm

… Mike Quinn, 26 December, 2005 - 11:26am

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