Odd Beetle - Androchirus femoralis

i believe this is a much less common A. femoralis (Olivier)

… v belov, 27 June, 2009 - 6:13pm

Female

due to absence of enlarged protarsi.

… Jim McClarin, 19 August, 2007 - 7:18pm

Capnochroa or Androchirus

Hi,

This beetle is in the genera Capnochroa or Androchirus in the Alleculinae (Tenebrionidae), the comb-clawed beetles.

Christopher Majka

… Christopher Majka, 6 March, 2006 - 9:03am

Alleculinae - Comb-clawed Beetle

That's what this looks like to me. So called due to a "comb" of stiff setae between the two tarsal claws. More images here.

… Jim McClarin, 8 February, 2006 - 4:42am

Thanks, Gentlemen

Thanks, Jim, for the ID and to both of you for your comments.

I had noted something odd about the claws, but nothing microscopic. I just thought the perpendicular claws, extending on both sides of the tip of each leg, was unusual-looking. The perpendicular nature is most evident on the hind legs.

--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
Buckhannon, WV
www.stephencresswell.com

… Stephen_WV, 8 February, 2006 - 6:14pm

Question.

I thought this family was so named for the multiple teeth on the tarsal claws. No? Been awhile since I had one under a 'scope:-)

… Eric R. Eaton, 8 February, 2006 - 11:12am

Setae, teeth, who cares ;-)

Actually I suppose they might be fine teeth that appear to a bumpkin as hairs. I didn't read about them or view them under the scope -- just glanced at the pictures. From now on, unless re-corrected, I'll call them teeth.

… Jim McClarin, 8 February, 2006 - 4:04pm

Comb claws --> teeth

Eric is correct, there is a series of teeth on the underside of each claw. Reminiscent of a pole saw blade to provide a visual image for the carpenter types amongst us.

I think this is Capnochroa fuliginosa, but I would have to check the collection to be sure.

… Donald S. Chandler, 9 February, 2006 - 8:59am

Thanks, Donald!

Thanks, Donald! I've moved it to the Alleculinae page for now and if you confirm Capnochroa fuliginosa it can be moved again to the right spot.

--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
Buckhannon, WV
www.stephencresswell.com

… Stephen_WV, 9 February, 2006 - 1:51pm

Androchirus erythropus

It was good to wait. It is the other larger species, Androchirus erythropus based on the very prominent/acute posterolateral pronotal angles.

… Donald S. Chandler, 10 February, 2006 - 12:45pm

Thanks again, Donald

Donald, thanks again for checking and giving me the ID. Yes, those sharp angles at each side of the base of the pronotum were memorable—my first thought was Elaterida, though other features weren't right for that family.

--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
Buckhannon, WV
www.stephencresswell.com

… Stephen_WV, 10 February, 2006 - 3:58pm