[2] It is native to North America, where it occurs in the western United States and Mexico.

It is wingless and black in color, and is usually convex and elongated in shape, shiny to dull, hairless, and textured with puncture-like marks.

[2] This beetle lives in desert habitat, where it feeds on cactus plants, especially species of prickly pear (Opuntia) and cholla (Cylindropuntia).

It emerges and climbs cactus plants at dusk to feed during the night.

It mates during the night and the female deposits eggs near the base of the cactus.