Histerinae

Gyllenhal, 1808

clown beetles

Histerinae is a of clown ( ) containing over 140 and 2,000 described . Members of this subfamily are found across diverse including , carrion, and decomposing matter. The subfamily includes taxonomically significant groups such as the tribe Omalodini and numerous species-rich genera including Phelister, Omalodes, Margarinotus, and Atholus.

Omalodes by (c) Reinaldo de Oliveira Elias, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Reinaldo de Oliveira Elias. Used under a CC-BY license.Platysomatini by no rights reserved. Used under a CC0 license.Platysomatini by (c) Oscar Dove, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oscar Dove. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Histerinae: //hɪˈstɛrɪniː//

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Images

Habitat

Members have been observed in association with (particularly cattle dung), carrion, and cadaveric fauna. Specific associations vary by and .

Distribution

The has a broad distribution including the Americas (from the United States to Argentina), the West Indies, Latin America with some reaching the southern USA, and Asia including China and the Philippines.

Ecological Role

Some members function as cadaveric fauna, associated with decomposition of animal remains. Others have been observed in association with domestic cattle , suggesting roles in in these environments.

Sources and further reading