Identification
Similar to the more popularly known A. oculatus, but smaller, especially, narrower, and the eyespots on the pronotum much smaller. More mottled, less glossy black. Elytra finely striated (coarse striations in oculatus). Flies earlier in year (spring) than A. myops (summer).
Range
Eastern North America. Reported to be most common in southeastern United States
Habitat
Pine and mixed pine/deciduous forests. Seems to be associated with southeastern pine forests?
Season
Spring (April-June), apparently about earlier than the related A. oculatus, which flies in mid-summer (pers. observation, P. Coin, Durham, North Carolina).
Food
Adults probably feed little, but may visit flowers, "weeps".
Life Cycle
Larvae of A. myops are predatory on "borers" (beetle larvae) in pines.
(3) According to this 1999
Univ. Florida Featured Creatures article, there is not a readily accessible description of the larva of A. myops.
Print References
Dillon, p. 312, plate XXXII #9
(2)
Papp, p. 109, fig. 342
(1)
Arnett, p. 197--description only
(4)
Milne, p. 566--description only, gives common name "Blind Click Beetle"
(5)
Baker, p. 153--description only
(3)
Brimley, p. 165, lists occurence from November to June in North Carolina, notes association with pines.
(6)Internet References
Click Beetles, Alaus spp. (Univ. of Florida Featured Creatures)
A. oculatus and A. myops are the only two species of this genus listed for the state of North Carolina at
NC State University Entomology collection. 80 specimens are pinned for myops, 104 for oculatus.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 25 April, 2004 - 9:28pm
Additional contributions by
Stephen CresswellLast updated 21 December, 2005 - 7:20am
