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Lucanid decay borer

Syndesus cornutus

Description:

This 13 mm long beetle was a deep reddish-brown. The elytra were strongly grooved and covered the whole abdomen, slightly angled at the rear end. Thorax was rounded with a central longitudinal groove. The striking features were the black medially placed bead-like eyes and strong protruding mandibles, like fork-lift arms. Outstretched antennae looked comb-like with 7 "teeth". The forelegs showed slightly serrated tibiae.

Habitat:

Spotted under bright lights inside the house. Distribution: http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:b...

Notes:

When I tried to turn the beetle over on it's back, it righted itself within seconds. Thanks to my husband Mark for the ID. The larvae feed on rotting wood infested with fungus. Family: Lucanidae (Stag Beetles) Subfamily: Syndesinae

2 Species ID Suggestions

MartinL
MartinL 10 years ago
Bess beetle
Passalidae Bess Beetle - Australian Museum


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7 Comments

MartinL
MartinL 10 years ago

Looking more closely I can see the elbows in the antennae. I jumped in too quickly and I cannot argue with facts. What a nice find, Leuba.
Based on CSIRO they do occur in Tasmania but not yet in Victoria. Another range extension. Sweet. http://www.ces.csiro.au/aicn/system/c_92...

Leuba Ridgway
Leuba Ridgway 10 years ago

Thanks for looking at this Martin and thanks for the ID Mark.

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 10 years ago

It's been on holiday over the ditch.

Leuba Ridgway
Leuba Ridgway 10 years ago

Martin, I initially thought it was a Passalid beetle given the antennae characteristics but I am not so sure - the size (12 mm) and those eyes ! I was thinking more like a Lucanid ??

MartinL
MartinL 10 years ago

Those antennae give it away. I'll bet it gets good reception with those.

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 10 years ago

Very exposed eyes and nice beaky bits.

Leuba Ridgway
Spotted by
Leuba Ridgway

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Spotted on Feb 18, 2014
Submitted on Feb 19, 2014

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