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Photo#39793
Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male - female

Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - Male Female
Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA
December 26, 2005
Size: 10 - 11 mm
Found together under rock on ridge top on lower slopes of Organ Mountains. I think this is a male and a female. One has three teeth on the posterior edge of the hind femur whereas the other appears not to. Note also the sawtooth back edge of the anterior tibia that occurs in both beetles but seems more pronounced in the one with the hind-femoral teeth.

Like many darkling beetles, these issued a rather pleasant scent associated with their defensive chemicals. The pleasant scent is deceptive. Judging by past accidental finger tasting after handling darkling beetles, the taste, not the smell, is what defends them.

Images of this individual: tag all
Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male - female Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male - female Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male Red-legged teneb - Argoporis rufipes - male