About Eleodes suturalis (Say, 1824)
Eleodes suturalis is a species of darkling beetle. Currently, it is known to be endemic to the United States. Its range stretches from South Dakota to Texas, extending west to southwestern Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and extreme southeastern Arizona, and it likely also occurs in Mexico. Males of this species range from 25 to 36 mm (1.0 to 1.4 inches) in length, while females are between 21.5 and 33.5 mm (0.8 to 1.3 inches) long. The species can be easily identified by the distinctive red stripe running down the center of its flat elytra. Like other species in the genus Eleodes, Eleodes suturalis responds to perceived threats by raising its abdomen into the air and secreting a foul-smelling liquid. Both larvae and adult beetles are herbivorous, feeding on the seeds of a variety of plants.
