Latin Name:  Spondylis upiformis (Mannerheim, 1843)
                        (G. Hilchie, det.)

Length:   8 - 20 mm

Range: Widespread in Alberta

Habitat:  Coniferous forests

Time of year seen: May to September

Larvae Infest: Roots of pine or fir

Other:  Although S. upiformis is widespread in Alberta it is uncommonly encountered.  The beetles have a characteristic shape with the pronotum being wider towards the head and protruding mandibles.  They are active during the daytime and maybe attracted to shiny objects.  (Yanega, 1996 & Evans et al, 2006)