Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Numbers
Nearctica.com lists 110 species
49 species in Canada & Alaska (
PDF doc - Soldier Beetles of Canada & Alaska)
Identification
Dillon and Dillon
(2) give the following characters for the genus:
head elongated and narrowed behind eyes to form a distinct "neck"
head not covered by pronotum
apical (front) margin on pronotum truncated
seventh ventral segment (abdomen) of male truncated at apex, eighth segment exposed
tarsal claws with a long, acute tooth
Food
Found on foliage, adults likely prey on aphids, other insects
(3).
Remarks
Likely mimics of Lampyridae and/or Lycidae, e.g., Podabrus rugosulus:
or Bombardier Beetles, e.g., Podabrus pruinosus:
Print References
Borror, entries for
pod,
abr (1)
Dillon, pp. 256, 258, plates 26, 27
(2)
Sikes, p. 158, lists 5 species for Rhode Island
(3).
Contributed by
Cotinis on 2 January, 2005 - 6:48pm
Additional contributions by
Robin McLeodLast updated 4 July, 2009 - 8:35am