Eleodes tricostatus ( Say, 1823 )

Triplehorn, Charles A., Thomas, Donald B. & Rile, Edward G., 2009, The Genus Eleodes Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) In Texas, The Coleopterists Bulletin 63 (4), pp. 413-437 : 419-420

Eleodes tricostatus ( Say, 1823)

(Fig. 3, Map 2)

Diagnosis. Because of its dull color and depressed fusiform shape, this is a very distinctive, easily recognized species. The body is dorso-ventrally compressed, oblong-oval, somewhat parallel-sided, dull in luster, with three discal, one sutural, and a marginal costa on each elytron. The elytral intervals are sparsely clothed with minute recumbent setae. The elytra are widest at the base, thereafter narrowing to the apex. Length: 13–23 mm.

Distribution. Generally distributed and common in Texas, this is the most widespread member of the genus, ranging from Canada to Mexico, as far west as Arizona and Montana and as far east as Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is a garden pest throughout its range ( Parks 1918) and a pest of wheat in the prairie states where it is called the ‘‘false wireworm’’ (Calkins and Kirk 1975). Maxwell and Young (1998) provide a good overview of the biology and distribution of this species.