Beetles Identification Guide

the elytra wavy (Fig. 205). This particularity is caused by the transverse, shallow
depressions on the elytra and a longitudinal swelling on the apical third of the
third interval; in addition, the fifth interval is strongly carinate on the basal threefourths
of the elytra.
Sexual dimorphism: Males differ from females by a number of characteristics,
the most conspicuous being the presence of a pair of median, setose protuberances
on the posterior edge of the metasternum (Fig. 264).
Distribution: Cosmopolitan. In Canada the species probably occurs throughout
the temperate regions.
Economic importance: As mentioned for the family. The species was recorded
in Canadian cargo ships carrying wheat (Aitken 1975).
Cartodere constricta (Gyllenhal)
plaster beetle
Diagnosis: Among the lathridiids dealt with here, C. constricta is quite different
in having a 2-segmented antennal club and the pronotum strongly constricted at
basal third. The only other species of the family included here with a 2-segmented
club is Dienerella filum, but this species differs in having the sides of the
pronotum sinuate at basal third, no longitudinal ridges on the pronotum, and the
temples absent.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexes are externally similar.
Distribution: Cosmopolitan. In Canada the species probably occurs from coast
to coast in the temperate regions.
Economic importance: As stated for the family. Aitken (1975) recorded the
species, under the name Cartodere species near constricta, in Canadian cargo ships
carrying wheat.
Corticaria Marshall
Diagnosis: Because of the distinct elytral pubescence, members of Corticaria
occurring in Canada can be confused, among the lathridiids included here, only
with those of Melanophthalma and Corticarina. They differ from Melanophthalma
by their general habitus (Fig. 207), particularly the more or less distinct circular
impression near the base of the pronotum, and by the absence of coxal lines on
the first visible abdominal sternum. Adults of Corticaria differ from those of
Corticarina mainly in having 5 visible abdominal sterna and the first segment of
the hind tarsi not produced ventrally.
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