Geographical Distribution of Cynaeus angustus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and its Association with Stored Products

An investigation of the applied zoogeography of Cynaeus angustus was conducted to challenge the present status of this taxon as an uncommon, non-cosmopolitan stored grain insect of minor importance. Information was obtained from 495 records which included museum specimens, extension surveys, and field surveys by the authors. Collection data indicated that major infestations have been confined to North America with the centre of origin for C. angustus being in the Southwest U.S. or Mexico. Since 1924 collections occurred progressively north and east from this area with a jump dispersal recorded in 1924 (to Minnesota) and 1964 (to Ireland). Substrate data indicated C. angustus is primarily associated with products of plant origin and is the first stored grain insect found associated with decomposing Agavaceae and other semi-succulent plants of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. Stored products were the most frequently recorded agricultural/urban habitat with 78% of these records from stored grain. Unlike for other storage insects, crop residues were important substrates, particularly the burrs remaining after commercial ginning of cotton.