Eleodes gracilis LeConte, 1858

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 : 429-430

Eleodes gracilis LeConte, 1858

(Fig. 29, Map 13)

Diagnosis. This is an elongate, subfusiform species with smooth, shiny black integument. The pronotum is subquadrate, slightly wider at the middle. The elytra are punctate-striate, feebly sulcate, with simple punctures and very few fine punctures on the intervals which are slightly convex. The profemora are dentate in both sexes. Length: 20–28 mm.

Distribution. Occurs from southern California through Arizona and New Mexico into extreme west Texas. It is also found in the Mexican state of Sonora. Smith and Whitford (1976) found it to be summer active with a high thermal tolerance. Kramm and Kramm (1972) found it hiding in ground squirrel holes.