"I looked at my Thalpius specimens, and don't have this one. According to [the key in(1)], it fits nicely into P. (Th.) horni (Chaudoir, 1872). It is shiny, has elongate antennomeres 4-10, is longer than 6 mm, and has a 'dark sutural cloud distinct against rufotestaceous dorsum.' The range is given as US southwest, east only to Texas. So it's a definite range extension, or a new species, or not Thalpius. (Using the key in American Beetles(2), the neck width is between that of Thalpius and Zuphium.)"

if true!? The combination of longer sloping temples, sharply contrasting dark elytral cloud, and long body length (7 mm) would of course point away from T. dorsalis, a species widespread in southeastern USA.

J.C. Jones: This specimen is important scientifically. Any chance you could mail it to me for accurate species determination? If not, an accurate remeasurement of total body length (span between tips of mandible and abdomen) to closest 0.1 mm would be appreciated. I am currently working with Robert Davidson (Carnegie Museum of Natural History) on refining identification keys and ranges for Thalpius. Thanks!

but if I see another I'll try to collect it.

Despite the temptation to declare Thalpius horni here along with an amazing new range extension, I recommend staying at genus "Thalpius" until such a specimen from SC can be examined.