Eleodes

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Eleodes (commonly known as pinacate beetles or desert stink beetles) is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae. They are endemic to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, with many species found along the Mexico-United States border. Some species have been introduced to Colombia. The name pinacate is Mexican Spanish, derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) name for the insect, pinacatl, which translates as "black beetle". Eleodes species range from about 10 to 50 millimetres (0.39 to 1.97 in) in length and are black, with some having a reddish tint on their abdomen. The setae of some species such as Eleodes osculans collect debris and give the insect a brown color, a similar effect occurs in the species Eleodes mirabilis giving it the appearance of having whitish stripes on its abdomen. Due to the number of species and their large range these beetles have a fairly varied appearance throughout the many species. All produce quinone or similar substances as a deterrent to predators, and many will stand on their heads to spray it. They are typically found in the arid desert regions of their range, but can also be found in forests and grasslands. All Eleodes species are flightless as their elytra are fused together and their second pair of wings is very reduced and vestigial.