Paracotalpa Ohaus, 1915

Paracotalpa deserta photo by Matthew R. Moore

distribution of Paracotalpa species

Paracotalpa deserta
photo by Matthew R. Moore

 

Diagnosis: Members of the genus Paracotalpa are distinguished from the other American Areodina north of Mexico by the following combination of characters: (1) postcoxal prothoracic spine well developed, often extending to level of coxal apex, (2) fourth segment of maxillary palp normal (not enlarged), (3) pronotum and elytra with abundant dorsal setae, (4) pronotum metallic blue, black, or green, (5) tarsal claws of both sexes simple (Saylor 1940).

Distribution: Paracotalpa occurs in the western United States from Washington south to California and Arizona.

Revision or Synopsis:

Saylor, L.W. 1940. Synoptic revision of the beetle genera Cotalpa and Paracotalpa of the United States with descriptions of a new subgenus. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 42: 190-200.

Composition: The genus Paracotalpa contains four species: P. deserta Saylor, 1940; P. granicollis (Haldeman, 1852); P. puncticollis (LeConte, 1863); P. ursina (Horn, 1867).

Biological Data: Paracotalpa deserta has been collected at the bases of Larrea sp. (Zygophyllaceae) and Franseria sp. (Asteraceae). Paracotalpa deserta has also been collected from the apical spines of Franseria, apparently impaled onto the spines by birds. Paracotalpa deserta flies in the late afternoon (Hardy 1972). Paracotalpa deserta have been collected on the blossoms and leaves of the desert annuals Abronia villosa Watson (Nyctinaceae), and Camissonia claviformis Torrey & Fremont (Onagraceae) in the late afternoon. Paracotalpa deserta were observed emerging from the soil at the base of Camissonia claviformis Torrey & Fremont (La Rue 1992).   

References:

Hardy, A.R. 1972. A note on Paracotalpa deserta Saylor (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). Coleopterists Bulletin. 26(2):77-78.

La Rue, D.A. 1992. Food plant associations for Paracotalpa Ohaus and Phobetus LeConte from southern California (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae & Melolonthinae). Coleopterists Bulletin 46(1): 28.

Saylor, L.W. 1940. Synoptic revision of the beetle genera Cotalpa and Paracotalpa of the United States with descriptions of a new subgenus. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 42: 190-200.