Brassicogethes simplipes
(Easton, 1947)
pollen beetle
Brassicogethes simplipes is a pollen beetle in the Nitidulidae, originally described as Meligethes simplipes by Easton in 1947. It is native to North America with confirmed records from eastern Canadian provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. As a member of the Brassicogethes, it is associated with pollen-feeding habits common to this group.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brassicogethes simplipes: /ˌbræsɪkoʊˈɡɛθiːz ˈsɪmplɪˌpiːz/
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Identification
The epithet 'simplipes' refers to the simple (unmodified) , which distinguishes it from related species with more complex tarsal structures. Specific diagnostic features for field identification are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America, with confirmed records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in Canada.
Similar Taxa
- Brassicogethes aeneusFormerly Meligethes aeneus, this is a widespread European pollen beetle that has been introduced to North America; B. simplipes can be distinguished by its native North American distribution and simple
- Other Brassicogethes speciesSeveral in this occur in North America; accurate identification requires examination of tarsal structure and male genitalia
More Details
Taxonomic History
Transferred from Meligethes to Brassicogethes following molecular and morphological revision of the group. The basionym Meligethes simplipes reflects its original placement in the broader Meligethes .