Asaphidion yukonense
Wickham, 1919
Asaphidion yukonense is a small ground beetle in the Carabidae, first described from the Yukon Territory in 1919. It belongs to the tribe Bembidiini, a group characterized by small size and often rapid movement. The species is distributed across northern North America including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. Like other members of its , it may be mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to superficial similarities in body form and .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asaphidion yukonense: /ˌæsəˈfɪdiən juːˈkoʊnəns/
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Identification
Members of the Asaphidion are frequently confused with tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) and with Elaphrus, another ground beetle genus. Asaphidion yukonense can be distinguished from tiger beetles by its smaller size, less prominent , and less elongated legs. It differs from Elaphrus in lacking the characteristic metallic coloration and distinct elytral patterns typical of that genus. Accurate identification to level requires examination of genitalic characters and comparison with .
Images
Distribution
Recorded from Alaska, Canada, and the United States. Distribution records indicate presence across northern North America.
Similar Taxa
- ElaphrusStrong resemblance in body form leads to frequent misidentification by collectors; Asaphidion lacks the metallic coloration and distinct elytral patterns of Elaphrus
- Cicindelinae (tiger beetles)Superficial similarity in habitus and active causes confusion; Asaphidion is smaller with less prominent and shorter legs
- ColliurisAnother ground beetle noted for similar deceptive resemblance to tiger beetles
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Asaphidion yukonense is classified in the tribe Bembidiini, subtribe Bembidiina, within the Trechinae. The Asaphidion is a small group of ground beetles with limited representation in North America.
Collector confusion
The Asaphidion has been specifically noted by entomologists as one that 'fools collectors' due to its resemblance to tiger beetles, alongside Elaphrus and Colliuris.