Melasis rufipennis
Horn, 1886
Melasis rufipennis is a of false click beetle in the Eucnemidae. The species was described by Horn in 1886 and is known from British Columbia, Canada. Members of the Melasis are associated with decaying wood in forested environments. The specific epithet 'rufipennis' refers to reddish wing covers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melasis rufipennis: /mɛˈlaː.sɪs ruː.fɪˈpɛn.nɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The specific epithet 'rufipennis' (reddish wings) distinguishes this from . Members of Melasis are characterized by elongated bodies, , and the lack of a prosternal process that would produce the clicking sound found in true click beetles (Elateridae).
Habitat
Forest environments, likely associated with decaying wood given -level .
Distribution
British Columbia, Canada.
Ecological Role
Members of Eucnemidae are saproxylic, contributing to wood decomposition in forest .
Similar Taxa
- Melasis speciesOther Melasis share the same -level but differ in coloration and distribution.
- EucnemidaeTrue click beetles (Elateridae) possess a prosternal process enabling the characteristic clicking mechanism, which Eucnemidae lack.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Eucnemidae (false click beetles) was historically treated as a of Elateridae but is now recognized as a distinct family based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Data scarcity
Only one observation is recorded in iNaturalist, indicating this is rarely encountered or underreported.