Stenelmis occidentalis

Schmude & Brown, 1991

Neararctic Riffle Beetle

Stenelmis occidentalis is a of riffle beetle in the Elmidae, described by Schmude and Brown in 1991. Riffle beetles are aquatic insects adapted to life in fast-flowing freshwater . The species is found in both Central America and North America, reflecting a transcontinental distribution across the Nearctic region.

Stenelmis occidentalis by (c) Luke Padon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Luke Padon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stenelmis occidentalis: /stɛˈnɛlmɪs ˌɒksɪˈdɛntəˌlɪs/

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Habitat

Riffle beetles in the Stenelmis inhabit fast-flowing freshwater streams and rivers, typically occupying the riffle zones characterized by shallow, turbulent water over rocky or gravel substrates. Members of the Elmidae are generally associated with well-oxygenated aquatic environments.

Distribution

Central America and North America. Distribution records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Schmude & Brown in 1991, making it a relatively recently described within the large Stenelmis.