Genus: Lasconotus

• Description: Antennae 11-segmented with a distinct, 3-segmented club. Antennal setation sparse. Subantennal grooves weakly developed or absent. Eyes large, well-developed, finely faceted. Antennal segment 3 longer than 4, but not as long as 4+5. Pronotal disc with one or two pairs of longitudinal ridges or carinae, often with depressed areas. Lateral pronotal margins variable, subparallel to sinuate. Procoxal cavities closed (narrowly open in L. fitzgibbonae and L. coronatus). Metacoxae narrowly separated, separation less than metacoxal length. Elytra with distinct carinae. Abdominal ventrite 5 with a deep preapical groove. Tarsal formula 4-4-4. Apex of protibia expanded, armed with a stout, apical spine and several smaller spines. Dorsal surface consisting of thin, fine, hair-like setae, occasionally with tufts of long, thin, golden setae.

• Similar genera: The genus Lasconotus is similar in general appearance to the genera Bitoma and Microprius. Lasconotus can be immediately distinguished with the distinctly 3-segmented antennal club, closed procoxal cavities, apically expanded protibia armed with a stout apical spine and several smaller spines, and carinate pronotum and elytra.

• Northeast (Washington D.C., MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA, VA), North Central (IN, MO, MI, NK, OH, SD), Southeast (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC), South Central (LA, MS, OK, TX), Southwest (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT), Northwest (ID, MT, OR, WA, WY), Alaska, USA; Ontario, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Canada.

• Lasconotus has been collected by beating vegetation, at MV/UV lights, and from under the bark of dead pines, including the root bark of Pinus edulis and Pinus leiophylla (Lasconotus fitzgibbonae). It has been noted that some Lasconotus are predators of scolytine weevils (Curculionidae), and are therefore possibly beneficial.
  
  
• Abundance: Some species are moderately common

• Lasconotus bitomoides: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly concave in from elytral interstitial intervals 1 to 5 for nearly entire length on both elytra and the carina of elytral interstitial interval 5 markedly more raised than other carinae. L. bitomoides and L. fiskei each have a long, nearly complete pair of sublateral carinae on the pronotum (between central depression and lateral margin). L. bitomoides can be separated by the greater elytral concavity, more granulate central depression, and greater distribution from Texas to California. Distribution: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus borealis: Northern species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, pronotum with network of curving carinae crested with setae, and elytral intervals with 2-3 rows of short setae. L. borealis is most similar to L. intricatus, but can be separated by the piceus color and the pronotum wider than long. Distribution: Alaska, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, USA; Ontario, Northwest Territories, Canada.
  
  
• Lasconotus complex: Western species. This species is distinguished by the reflexed lateral margin of the pronotum forming a distinct longitudinal depression between the lateral margin and the 1st pair of pronotal carina and carina of elytral interstitial interval 3 more distinctly raised near apex than other carinae. L. complex and L. tuberculatus are readily distinguished by the internal pair of carinae on the prontal disc interrupted into small tubercles. L. complex is distinguished from L. tuberculatus by the more parallel, sinuate lateral margins of the pronotum, the inner pair of pronotal carinae less distinctly interrupted into tubercles, and the posterior angles of the pronotum nearly right angles, not projecting posteriorly. Distribution: California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, USA; British Columbia, Canada.
  
  
• Lasconotus concavus: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the pronotum lacking any distinct carinae, instead, two raised ridges laterally bordering a larger central depression, sinuate anterior margin of pronotum, and elytra distinctly concave in from elytral interstitial intervals 1 to 5 for nearly entire length on both elytra and the carina of elytral interstitial interval 5 markedly more raised than other carinae. L. concavus can be separated from the other similar Lasconotus by the more flattened, wider body, absence of a distinctly carinate anterior margin of pronotum, and the concave portion of the elytra without clear striae. Distribution: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus coronatus: Western species. L. coronatus is most similar to L. fitzgibbonae and forms a distinct group within Lasconotus. These two species can be separated by the remainder of the genus by the distinctive paired tufts of long golden setae at the anterior margin of the pronotum, narrowly open procoxal cavities, and antennal segment 3 longer than either 2 or 4. L. coronatus differs from L. fitzgibbonae in being slightly larger (~4.5 mm compared to ~3.25 mm in L. fitzgibbonae), the marginal pronotal carinae with a deep depression at midpoint, a more acute pronotal margin and broader anterior angles of the pronotum. Distribution: Colorado, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus fiskei: Southcentral species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly concave in from elytral interstitial intervals 1 to 5 for nearly entire length on both elytra and the carina of elytral interstitial interval 5 markedly more raised than other carinae. L. fiskei and L. bitomoides each have a long, nearly complete pair of sublateral carinae on the pronotum (between central depression and lateral margin). L. fiskei can be separated by the slighter elytral concavity, less granulate central depression, and distribution restricted to Texas. Distribution: Texas, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus fitzgibbonae: Western species. L. fitzgibbonae is most similar to L. coronatus and forms a distinct group within Lasconotus. These two species can be separated by the remainder of the genus by the distinctive paired tufts of long golden setae at the anterior margin of the pronotum, narrowly open procoxal cavities, and antennal segment 3 longer than either 2 or 4. L. fitzgibbonae differs from L. coronatus in being slightly smaller (~3.25 mm compared to ~4. 5 mm in L. coronatus), the lateral pronotal carinae with a shallow depression at midpoint, a more straight pronotal margin and narrower anterior angles of the pronotum. Distribution: Arizona, South Dakota, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus flexuosus: Western species. This species is distinguished by the reflexed lateral margin of the pronotum forming a distinct longitudinal depression between the lateral margin and the 1st pair of pronotal carina, the carina of elytral interstitial interval 3 more distinctly raised near apex than other carinae, and the presence of a strong flexure or bend in the pronotum slightly ahead of midline (only when viewed laterally). Distribution: Washington, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus intricatus: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, pronotum with network of curving carinae crested with setae, and elytral intervals with 2-3 rows of short setae. L. intricatus is most similar to L. borealis, but can be separated by the ferrugineus color and the pronotum longer than wide. Distribution: Idaho, Oregon, Washington, USA; British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Canada.
  
  
• Lasconotus knulli: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length and with all elytral carinae similarly raised. L. knulli can be distinguished by the restricted distribution, extremely small size, elytra with no distinct carina, pronotum longer than wide with only a hint of paired cainae. Distribution: Arizona, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus laqueatus: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the pronotum lacking any distinct carinae, instead, two raised ridges laterally bordering a larger central depression, sinuate anterior margin of pronotum, and elytra distinctly concave in from elytral interstitial intervals 1 to 5 for nearly entire length on both elytra and the carina of elytral interstitial interval 5 markedly more raised than other carinae. L. laqueatus can be separated from the other similar Lasconotus by the presence of a distinctly carinate, double "U" shaped anterior margin of pronotum, the width of the central pronotal depression greater than 1/2 the total width of pronotum, and the concave portion of the elytra for majority of elytral length. L. laqueatusdiffers from L. pusillus by its western distribution. Distribution: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus linearis: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, pronotum with network of curving carinae crested with setae, and elytral intervals with a single row of recumbent setae. L. linearis is most similar to L. pertenuis, but can be separated by the usually bicolored elytra and antennomere 9 as long as 10. Distribution: California, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus mexicanus: This species is distinguished by the reflexed lateral margin of the pronotum forming a distinct longitudinal depression between the lateral margin and the 1st pair of pronotal carina and elytral carinae all equally elevated. To date, L. mexicanus does not occur in North America north of Mexico, but is included because it is likely this species will be discovered in the Southwest USA. Distribution: Mexico.
  
  
• Lasconotus nucleatus: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length and with all elytral carinae similarly raised. L. nucleatus is readily distinguished by the rounded anterior angles of the pronotum, dorsal vestiture consisting of short, recurved setae, and elytra with numerous small tufts of round, silver-white setae. Distribution: California, Oregon, Washington, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus pertenuis: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, pronotum with network of curving carinae crested with setae, and elytral intervals with a single row of recumbent setae. L. pertenuisis most similar to L.linearis, but can be separated by the unicolored elytra and antennomere 9 distinctly shorter and narrower than 10. Distribution: California, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus planipennis: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, and pronotum with indistinct carinae (never with network of curved carinae crested with setae). L. planipennis can be separated from similar species by the western distribution, smaller size (2.5 mm or less), absence of a distinct pair of sublateral pronotal carinae, and elytra distinctly convex. Distribution: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Idaho, Washington, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, USA; British Columbia, Canada.
  
  
• Lasconotus pusillus: Eastern species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the pronotum lacking any distinct carinae, instead, two raised ridges laterally bordering a larger central depression, sinuate anterior margin of pronotum, and elytra distinctly concave in from elytral interstitial intervals 1 to 5 for nearly entire length on both elytra and the carina of elytral interstitial interval 5 markedly more raised than other carinae. L. pusillus can be separated from the other similar Lasconotus by the presence of a distinctly carinate, double "U" shaped anterior margin of pronotum, the width of the central pronotal depression greater than 1/2 the total width of pronotum, and the concave portion of the elytra for majority of elytral length. L. pusillus differs from L. laqueatus by its eastern distribution. Distribution: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus referendarius: Eastern species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, and pronotum with indistinct carinae (never with network of curved carinae crested with setae). L. referendarius can be separated from similar species by the eastern distribution, smaller length to width ratio, and lack of distinct pronotal carinae. Distribution: Washington D.C., Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus servus: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, and pronotum with indistinct carinae (never with network of curved carinae crested with setae). L. servus can be separated from similar species by the western distribution, larger size (3mm +), and presence of a distinct pair of sublateral pronotal carinae. Distribution: Arizona, California, New Mexico, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus simplex: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, and pronotum with indistinct carinae (never with network of curved carinae crested with setae). L. simplex can be separated from similar species by the western distribution, smaller size (2.5 mm or less), absence of a distinct pair of sublateral pronotal carinae, and elytra distinctly flattened. Distribution: Arizona, California, New Mexico, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus subcostulatus: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the pronotum lacking any distinct carinae, instead, two raised ridges laterally bordering a larger central depression, sinuate anterior margin of pronotum, and elytra distinctly concave in from elytral interstitial intervals 1 to 5 for nearly entire length on both elytra and the carina of elytral interstitial interval 5 markedly more raised than other carinae. L. subcostulatus can be separated from the other similar Lasconotus by the presence of a distinctly carinate, double "U" shaped anterior margin of pronotum, the width of the central pronotal depression 1/3 to 1/2 total width of pronotum, and the concave portion of the elytra for posterior half only. Distribution: California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, USA.
  
  
• Lasconotus tuberculatus: Western species. This species is distinguished by the reflexed lateral margin of the pronotum forming a distinct longitudinal depression between the lateral margin and the 1st pair of pronotal carina and carina of elytral interstitial interval 3 more distinctly raised near apex than other carinae. L. tuberculatus and L. complex are readily distinguished by the internal pair of carinae on the prontal disc interrupted into small tubercles. L. tuberculatus differs from L. complex by the more arcuate, sinuate lateral margins of the pronotum, the inner pair of pronotal carinae more distinctly interrupted into tubercles, and the posterior angles of the pronotum distinctly angulate, projecting posteriorly. Distribution: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Utah, South Dakota, Wyoming, USA; British Columbia, Canada.
  
  
• Lasconotus vegrandis: Western species. This species is in a group of Lasconotus with the elytra distinctly convex to flattened (never concave) for entire length, with all elytral carinae similarly raised, and pronotum with indistinct carinae (never with network of curved carinae crested with setae). L. vegrandis can be separated from similar species by the pronotal width distinctly narrower than the elytral width. Distribution: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, USA; British Columbia, Canada.

• Due to a unique combination of morphological characters, the placement of Lasconotus within the tribe Synchitini remains in question.

• Ivie (2002)
• Kingsolver, Stephan, and Moser (2006)
• Stephan (1989)