Ceruchus chrysomelinus

Classification

Ceruchus chrysomelinus is a coleopter of the Lucanid family, subfamily Syndesinae.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is endemic to Madagascar. It has been reported that the distribution range may also include Brazil, but this information appears to be inconsistent with other sources.

Description

Ceruchus chrysomelinus is a medium-small insect, measuring between 12 and 18 mm in size. Its body shape is elongated, with a cylindrical body of glossy black color. The head is transverse, with a slight digging on the front that is more pronounced in males.

The punctuation of the head is fine except on the sides where it is dense and coarse to form wrinkles. The jaws are straight or slightly curved and have an inside bristle fringe, which is much more showy and dense in males than in females. Male jaws are larger than female ones, longer than the head of the animal, and equipped with two strong teeth.

The pronotum is completely remarried (presumably meaning "reunited" or "merged", but this term may be unclear). The antennae are slightly larger in males, and both sexes have an antenna clava formed by three articles. The elytra are oblongated and equipped with 9-10 stries.

Conservation Status

This species is almost threatened with extinction due to a decreasing population.

Sources

Note: Due to the inconsistency in distribution range reported between sources, further research is needed to confirm the accuracy of this information.