Nematodes penetrans

(LeConte, 1852)

Nematodes penetrans is a of false click beetle in the Eucnemidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The name 'Nematodes' refers to the thread-like or worm-like appearance of these beetles, not to worms. As a member of the Eucnemidae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as false click beetles, which are distinguished from true click beetles (Elateridae) by their reduced ability to produce the characteristic clicking sound. The species has been documented in eastern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nematodes penetrans: //nɛˈmætəˌdiːz ˈpɛnɪˌtrænz//

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Distribution

Eastern Canada: recorded from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. The occurs in forested regions of the northeastern North American temperate zone.

Similar Taxa

Eucnemidae (family)All members of Eucnemidae share the general body plan and reduced clicking mechanism that distinguishes them from true click beetles (Elateridae). Nematodes penetrans can be separated from other eucnemid by its specific morphological characteristics as defined in LeConte's original description.
Elateridae (family)True click beetles possess a well-developed prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal cavity, enabling the characteristic clicking/jumping defense mechanism. Eucnemidae including Nematodes penetrans have this mechanism reduced or absent, appearing more flattened and less able to click.

Misconceptions

The name 'Nematodes' frequently causes confusion with worms ( Nematoda). This genus was named for the thread-like or worm-like body form of its members, not for any biological relationship to actual nematodes. The epithet 'penetrans' similarly refers to or and does not indicate .