Cardiophorus convexus
(Say, 1823)
Convex Click Beetle
Cardiophorus convexus is a click beetle (Elateridae) found in eastern North America. It was originally described by Thomas Say in 1823, and a neotype was designated after the original was destroyed. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with C. floridae and C. angustatus synonymized under it. It is one of eleven Cardiophorus species recognized in eastern Canada and the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cardiophorus convexus: //ˌkɑːr.diˈɒf.ɔː.rəs kənˈvɛk.səs//
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Identification
Cardiophorus convexus can be distinguished from other eastern North American Cardiophorus using the key provided in the 2002 taxonomic revision. It was previously confused with C. floridae and C. angustatus, now synonymized with it. Specific diagnostic characters are detailed in the revision alongside distribution maps.
Images
Distribution
Eastern Canada and the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Specific records include Ontario and Québec in Canada.
Behavior
As a member of Elateridae, possesses the clicking mechanism characteristic of the , used for righting when overturned and possibly for deterrence.
Similar Taxa
- Cardiophorus floridaeSynonymized with C. convexus; previously considered distinct but now recognized as
- Cardiophorus angustatusSynonymized with C. convexus; previously considered distinct but now recognized as
More Details
Taxonomic History
A neotype was designated for C. convexus because the original described by Say was destroyed. The concept was expanded through synonymy with C. floridae and C. angustatus based on morphological evidence.
Citizen Science Observations
Documented on iNaturalist with 62 observations as of source date, indicating some level of detectability by non-.