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Photo#235437
Darkling beetle Eleodes - Eleodes
Copyright © 2008 Donald Erickson

Darkling beetle Eleodes - Eleodes
rural, Elbert County, Colorado, USA
September 30, 2008
Size: 1"
This looks like a Darkling beetle, but I didn't find any with a smooth back in the guide. It was black in color, but if the light was just right, it showed some red.

Images of this individual: tag all
Darkling beetle Eleodes - Eleodes Darkling beetle Eleodes - Eleodes
Contributed by Donald Erickson on 22 October, 2008 - 9:10am
Last updated 7 February, 2009 - 8:34pm

Moved
Moved from Opatrinae.
… Charley Eiseman, 7 February, 2009 - 8:34pm

Eleodes
they come in all shapes, textures, and finish options; plenty of smooth ones
… v belov, 22 October, 2008 - 10:30am

 
Thanks
Thanks for the ID.
… Donald Erickson, 22 October, 2008 - 7:28pm

 
Teneral?
In my experience, I find many teneral (newly-emerged) beetles to be this color of red or reddish brown, and soft, until the cuticle hardens and the normal pigments set in. This can take several days.
… Eric R. Eaton, 22 October, 2008 - 12:59pm

 
not necessarily
as i've learned the other day, some Eleodes spp. keep such reddish axial tint on elytra for life
… v belov, 22 October, 2008 - 1:05pm

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