Perothops

Adults distinguished from other Eucnemidae by combination of: 11-segmented filiform antennae not reaching middle of elytra; prothorax with straight sides and acute, strongly produced posterior angles; metaventrite longer than first abdominal ventrite; and simple aedeagus lacking dorsal and ventral lobes. Species-level identification relies on coloration and pronotal angles: P. witticki is reddish-brown with yellowish-gray hairs and rounded sides but sharp posterior angle; P. cervinus has divergent, acute, long posterior angle; P. muscidus has shorter posterior angle and shorter lateral lobes. P. witticki and P. cervinus occur in southern California; P. muscidus is eastern U.S. species.

Forested areas, particularly associated with hardwood trees. P. witticki observed in aggregations associated with oak trees. P. muscidus found on old beech trees. General forest habitat across distribution range.

United States. P. muscidus: Eastern United States. P. witticki and P. cervinus: southern California.

Adults active from mid-May through June. Aggregations of P. witticki observed during this period.

• beech trees (Fagus) - adults found on old beech treescommon name 'beech-tree beetles' derived from this association
• oak trees (Quercus) - aggregation site for adultshundreds of P. witticki observed falling from large oak tree; no feeding damage confirmed

Larval stage described but duration and specific development details unknown. Adults emerge mid-May to June.

Adults bore across wood grain, typical of false click beetles. P. witticki forms aggregations at specific locations, possibly yearly occurrences, associated with oak trees. No flight observed immediately before or after falling from trees. No mating observed during aggregation events.

Wood-boring larvae likely contribute to decomposition of dead or dying hardwood trees. Specific ecological function not well documented.

No documented economic importance. Occasionally encountered by entomologists and collectors due to association with beech and oak trees. No known pest status.

• other Eucnemidae (false click beetles)Perothops distinguished by 11-segmented antennae not reaching middle of elytra, prothorax with straight sides and acute posterior angles, and simple aedeagus structure
• Elateridae (click beetles)Perothops lacks the prosternal process that fits into mesosternal cavity enabling the 'click' mechanism characteristic of true click beetles

• false click beetles
• Eucnemidae
• Perothopinae
• wood-boring
• forest beetles
• North America
• hardwood associated

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life