Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Alobates pensylvanicus (
De Geer, 1775) [
Tenebrio pensylvanicus]
Alobates pensylvanica; often written Alobates pennsylvanica, but the variant with one "n" was sometimes seen in Latin names at the time and does not represent an error; it stands as the correct species name;
Alobates pennsylvanicus another aberrant spelling
The gender of Alobates is male, so the female spelling with -a found in most publications is incorrect --see
(1)Identification
Elongate, large darkling beetle. Pronotum almost square. Elytra shining with rows of fine punctures (5 or more on each elytra?). Alobates morio is very similar, but rarer, has a tuft of yellow hair on "mentum"--mouthparts.
(2)Habitat
Found under decaying bark in forests
Season
All year. Comes to lights in summer.
Food
Both adults and larvae predatory on other insects.
Life Cycle
One year life cycle. Found under bark. Larvae live in decaying logs and is predatory on other insects.
Print References
Arnett, et al., p. 267, describes two members of genus
(2)
Dillon, p. 473, plate 46
(5)
Internet References
Alobates pennsylvanica--Insects of Cedar Creek
http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k97154q/f61.image -- original description (De Geer 1775), in French
