Stephostethus breviclavis
(Fall, 1899)
Stephostethus breviclavis is a minute beetle in the Latridiidae, commonly known as plaster beetles or minute brown scavenger beetles. The species was described by Fall in 1899. Records indicate it occurs in eastern Canada, with documented presence in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. Latridiidae beetles are generally associated with moist, decaying organic matter and fungal growth.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stephostethus breviclavis: /stɛˈfoʊstɛθəs briːvɪˈkleɪvɪs/
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Identification
Members of Stephostethus can be distinguished from related in Latridiidae by antennal structure and pronotal form, though -level identification of S. breviclavis requires examination of microscopic characters including male genitalia. The specific epithet "breviclavis" (short club) likely refers to a relatively short antennal club compared to . Identification should be confirmed by comparison with or literature.
Images
Distribution
Eastern Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Similar Taxa
- Stephostethus lardariusCongeneric with overlapping distribution; distinguished by antennal club proportions and male genitalic structure
- Other Latridiidae genera (e.g., Latridius, Corticaria)Similar minute size and habitus; Stephostethus distinguished by distinct antennal club with three segments and characteristic pronotal shape
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Stephostethus is part of the Latridiinae. The Latridiidae was historically treated as a subfamily of (now spelled Latridiidae). in this family are often overlooked due to their minute size (typically 1-3 mm).