Eleodes longicollis LeConte, 1851

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 : 433

Eleodes longicollis LeConte, 1851

(Figs. 36–37, Map 16)

Diagnosis. Elongate to elongate-fusiform, subcylidrical, smooth and shining. The elytra are finely punctate and seriate. The pronotum is slightly broader than long, evenly convex, the convexity strongest transversely; both basal and apical angles obtuse, the anterior margin truncate. The females are flatter, broader, and quite distinct from the males. The profemur is mutic in both sexes. Length: 25– 35 mm.

Distribution. In Texas, this species is found in the extreme western part of the state, including the Big Bend region. It is common in the Great Plains states as far north as Wyoming west to Oregon. In Mexico, it occurs in the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, south to Michoacán. Slobodchikoff (1978, 1979) described the defensive behavior of this beetle against potential predators, including the use of its repugnatorial fluid to immobilize harvester ants while foraging on their mounds.