Schizopus sallei
Horn, 1885
Schizopus sallei is a of false jewel beetle in the Schizopodidae, a small family within the superfamily Buprestoidea. The species was described by George Henry Horn in 1885. Two are recognized: the nominate S. s. sallei and S. s. nigricans, described by Nelson in 1991. It is one of the few species in this distinctive family, which was historically classified within Buprestidae but is now recognized as a separate lineage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Schizopus sallei: //ˈskɪzoʊpəs ˈsæli//
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Identification
The can be distinguished from other Schizopus by the combination of characters described in the original description. The S. s. nigricans differs from the nominate form in coloration, as indicated by its name. Members of Schizopodidae are generally small beetles with somewhat flattened bodies and can be separated from true jewel beetles (Buprestidae) by subtle morphological features of the and .
Habitat
Has been observed in montane ; specifically collected at the top of Table Mountain in Fresno County, California.
Distribution
North America, with records from California (Fresno County). The is considered Nearctic in distribution.
Similar Taxa
- Schizopus laetusThe only other in the Schizopus; distinguished by morphological differences in body form and coloration
- Buprestidae (jewel beetles)Schizopodidae were historically classified within Buprestidae; they share the superfamily Buprestoidea but differ in thoracic structure and antennal
More Details
Subspecies
Two are recognized: Schizopus sallei sallei Horn, 1885 (nominate form) and Schizopus sallei nigricans Nelson in Nelson & Bellamy, 1991. The latter is distinguished by darker coloration.
Taxonomic History
The Schizopodidae has undergone significant taxonomic revision. Formerly treated as a of Buprestidae, it is now recognized as a distinct family within Buprestoidea based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Collection Rarity
The appears to be rarely encountered in the field. A 2012 field trip to Table Mountain specifically targeting this species resulted in only a single specimen being found, suggesting it may be genuinely scarce or difficult to detect.