Fornax convexicollis

Distinguished from other Eucnemidae by the strongly convex pronotum that gives the genus its name. Separated from congeneric species by subtle differences in pronotal shape and elytral sculpture, though definitive identification requires examination of genitalia. The narrow prosternal process separates Eucnemidae from Elateridae, which have a broad prosternal process that engages with the mesosternum to produce the clicking mechanism.

As a member of Fornax, this species possesses a distinctly convex pronotum (the dorsal plate covering the thorax), giving the beetle a rounded, humped profile. The body is elongate and somewhat cylindrical. Like other Eucnemidae, the prosternal process is narrow and fits into a mesosternal groove, a feature distinguishing them from true click beetles (Elateridae). Specific coloration and size for this species are not recorded in available literature.

The genus Fornax has a broad distribution, but specific locality records for F. convexicollis are not available in major databases.

• Fornax globosusShares the convex pronotal shape characteristic of the genus; separated by differences in pronotal convexity degree and elytral punctation patterns.
• Elateridae (true click beetles)Superficially similar body form; distinguished by prosternal morphology—Eucnemidae have a narrow prosternal process that does not produce a clicking sound, while Elateridae have a broad process enabling the characteristic clicking mechanism.

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon