Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 8698067

Eleodes acuticauda

Eleodes acuticauda

Also known as Pointed Pinacate Beetle, Pointed Acrobat Beetle, Sharp-tailed Stink Beetle

Pointed desert stink beetles navigate arid scrublands and coastal sage habitats throughout southwestern California and Baja California. When confronted by a predator, these flightless darkling beetles stand on their heads and elevate their abdomen to release a foul chemical spray. Their fused wing covers seal in precious body moisture, allowing adults to survive for several years in harsh desert environments.

NocturnalDefensive StinkDesert Dweller
Eleodes acuticauda reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Bob Miller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bob Miller · cc-by
—observations
—countries
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Decaying leaves
  • Fallen seeds
  • Fungal spores
Predators
  • Southern Grasshopper Mouse
  • Burrowing Owl
  • Desert Scorpions
ThreatsHabitat loss from urban development and widespread pesticide use
HabitatsArid scrublands, desert valleys, chaparral, coastal sage scrub
Life span2–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderColeoptera
  2. FamilyTenebrionidae
  3. GenusEleodes
  4. SpeciesEleodes acuticauda
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Search along sandy paths and dirt trails around dusk or early morning when temperatures cool down.
  • Defense Posture: Watch for its head-down, tail-up warning stance when it feels threatened.
  • Observation: Avoid picking them up directly to prevent triggering their pungent oily spray.
Related species
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