Schizopus

LeConte, 1858

Schizopus is a of small in the , established by LeConte in 1858. The genus contains two described : Schizopus laetus LeConte, 1858 and Schizopus sallei Horn, 1885, with the latter including a recognized S. sallei nigricans Nelson, 1991. These beetles are rarely encountered and poorly known, with limited published information on their biology.

Arcana naturæ (VOL. I. Pl. XIII) BHL36104312 by Thomson, James. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schizopus: //ˈskɪzoʊpʊs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of Schizopus can be distinguished from other schizopodid by their placement in the tribe Schizopodini. The genus Dystaxia, also in , is a related genus containing D. elegans. Specific diagnostic features for separating Schizopus from Dystaxia are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

One , Schizopus sallei sallei, has been documented from Table Mountain in Fresno County, California, suggesting association with montane or upland . No specific habitat details are available for S. laetus.

Distribution

Western North America. Schizopus sallei has been recorded from California (Fresno County). The distribution of S. laetus is not specified in available sources.

Human Relevance

Specimens of Schizopus sallei have been sought by for study and photography, indicating interest from entomological researchers. The is rare enough that a single photographed specimen appears on the cover of a regional catalogue of Buprestoidea.

Similar Taxa

  • DystaxiaBoth belong to and tribe Schizopodini; Dystaxia contains D. elegans Fall, 1905

Tags

Sources and further reading