Temnoscheila

livingplanet3
Nabokov

Posts: 606

Temnoscheila Feb 22, 2022 15:59:33 GMT -8 trehopr1 likes this

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Post by livingplanet3 on Feb 22, 2022 15:59:33 GMT -8

A small but interesting beetle that I occasionally find; a Bark-Gnawing Beetle, Temnoscheila spp. (family Trogossitidae) -

Many species of this genus are metallic green or blue. I was surprised at how readily these beetles will bite when handled, and at how much pressure their mandibles can exert, despite the insect being only around 20 mm long.

More info -

myrmecos.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/friday-beetle-blogging-temnoscheila-bark-gnawing-beetle/

bugguide.net/node/view/13599

trehopr1 Moderator Posts: 1,339	Temnoscheila Feb 22, 2022 17:30:18 GMT -8 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by trehopr1 on Feb 22, 2022 17:30:18 GMT -8 I have one of those ! However, mine was acquired via a beetle collection being parted out. It's shimmering metallic color made it a standout. Wonderful

vabrou Premium Member - 2022 Posts: 512	Temnoscheila Feb 23, 2022 8:17:28 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by vabrou on Feb 23, 2022 8:17:28 GMT -8 I have taken many hundreds of these in my light traps over the decades, Here are some recent ones (77 adults) captured at my home location in Southeast Louisiana. This can be a fairly common species here.
	Last Edit: Feb 23, 2022 8:20:08 GMT -8 by vabrou

livingplanet3
Nabokov

Posts: 606

Temnoscheila Feb 23, 2022 10:04:22 GMT -8

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Post by livingplanet3 on Feb 23, 2022 10:04:22 GMT -8

Feb 23, 2022 8:17:28 GMT -8 vabrou said:

I have taken many hundreds of these in my light traps over the decades, Here are some recent ones (77 adults) captured at my home location in Southeast Louisiana. This can be a fairly common species here.
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Like many other insects, Temnoscheila is probably more abundant in my area than I realize, and I could undoubtedly find more of them, using the right methods. I suppose I should consider setting up a light trap this spring / summer season, to get a much better idea of what's in my backyard. In past years, I've simply set up a sheet behind a UV light. I can only get a somewhat limited sampling in this way, but my focus was on collecting live specimens of certain species.

livingplanet3
Nabokov

Posts: 606

Temnoscheila Feb 27, 2022 16:07:27 GMT -8

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Post by livingplanet3 on Feb 27, 2022 16:07:27 GMT -8

A tropical species of Temnoscheila from Ecuador -

The larvae of this genus live under tree bark, and are predatory on the larvae of other beetles, including Scolytinae.

Photos of Temnoscheila larvae -

www.insectimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0745049

bugguide.net/node/view/41439

In form, they are rather similar to the larvae of some predatory click beetles, such as Alaus spp.

Post by livingplanet3 on Feb 22, 2022 15:59:33 GMT -8

Post by trehopr1 on Feb 22, 2022 17:30:18 GMT -8

Post by vabrou on Feb 23, 2022 8:17:28 GMT -8

Post by livingplanet3 on Feb 23, 2022 10:04:22 GMT -8

Post by livingplanet3 on Feb 27, 2022 16:07:27 GMT -8