Key to species of American Distenia (Distenia)

(modified and translated from Santos-Silva & Hovore 2007a)

1. Inner and outer apical projections of metafemora equal or subequal in length..................................... 2

- Apical projections of metafemora different: inner projection rounded or triangular and outer projection long and spiniform.................................................................................................... .. 12

2(1). Elytral apex with outer spine............................................................................. 3

- Outer elytral apex rounded or just slightly projected........................................................ 10

3(2). Elytra entirely pubescent. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina)................. D. (D.) pilosa Villiers, 1959

- Elytra not entirely pubescent, just with sparse setae and/or some pubescent area.................................... 4

4(3). Antennomeres IV–XI annulated. Colombia (Cundinamarca)......................... D. (D.) annulicornis Villiers, 1959

- Antennomeres IV–XI not annulated...................................................................... 5

5(4). Lateral tubercles of prothorax rounded; apical spine of elytra curved. Brazil (Bahia, Espírito Santo).................................................................................................. D. (D.) forcipata Villiers, 1959

- Lateral tubercles of prothorax acute; apical spine of elytra straight.............................................. 6