Distichus (Lophogenius) orientalis
Geographic:NEO
Distribution: Native, New World. Bolivia; Brazil – Bahia, Mat o Grosso; Colombia; Guyana;
Haiti (possibly invasive); Guyane; México – QR, YC; Paraguay; Surinam; Trinidad
&Tabago; Venezuela.
Common name: Eastern Small Pedunculate Beetle
Synonyms: Scarites orientalis Bonelli, 1813:469
Attelabus fossor Degeer, 1774:350
Scarites octopunctutus Dejean, 1825:391
Macrohabitat: Lowlands to midlands, sea level – 786 meters altitude, on sea
beaches and savannahs. Microhabitat: Adults are ground-dwelling on moist or dry substrates.
Dispersal abilities: Macropterous, probably capable of flight; slow runners, strong
burrowers. Seasonal occurrence: Adults have been found in January – December. Behavior:
Nocturnal; halophobic hygrophilous adults are predaceous and take cover during the day
in burrows they dig in the substrate, under stones, or under surface debris. Adults aestivate
during the dry season in the substrate.