Selatosomus aeripennis
(Kirby, 1837)
Sapphire-winged Click Beetle
Species Guides
2Selatosomus aeripennis is a of click beetle in the Elateridae. It is commonly known as the Sapphire-winged Click Beetle, a name referring to the distinctive metallic blue coloration of its . The species is distributed across northern and western Canada. Like other elaterids, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Selatosomus aeripennis: /sɛˌlætəˈsoʊməs ɛˌraɪˈpɛnɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The specific epithet 'aeripennis' (Latin: bronze/ wing) and 'Sapphire-winged' suggest metallic blue or coppery , distinguishing it from . Exact diagnostic features separating it from other Selatosomus require examination of morphological characters such as pronotal shape, elytral striation, and antennal structure.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from western and northern Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Territory.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Originally described by Kirby in 1837. The Selatosomus is part of the diverse click beetle Elateridae, which contains over 10,000 described worldwide.