Oxygonus obesus
(Say, 1823)
Oxygonus obesus is a click beetle (Elateridae) described by Thomas Say in 1823. The is poorly documented in modern literature, with only 13 iNaturalist observations as of the source data. It occurs in eastern and central Canada. As with other Elateridae, possess the -characteristic prosternal process that enables the 'click' mechanism for righting themselves when overturned.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oxygonus obesus: /ˈɒksɪɡoʊnəs oʊˈbiːsəs/
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Identification
The Oxygonus is distinguished within Elateridae by a combination of characters including a more robust, compact body form compared to many click beetles—reflected in the epithet 'obesus' (Latin for fat or stout). Specific diagnostic features for O. obesus versus require examination of the original description or , as modern revisionary treatments are lacking.
Distribution
Recorded from five Canadian provinces: Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. The disjunct distribution between western (Alberta, Manitoba) and eastern (New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec) records suggests either broader intervening occurrence or historical collection .
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Oxygonus remains taxonomically understudied. No comprehensive modern revision exists, and -level identification relies heavily on the original 19th century descriptions. The specific epithet 'obesus' likely refers to the relatively stout body form compared to related genera.
Data limitations
This exemplifies the 'dark ' problem in entomology: accepted names with minimal modern biological data. The 13 iNaturalist observations suggest it is genuinely uncommon or underreported rather than simply overlooked.