Operclipygus striatellus
(Fall, 1917)
clown beetle
Operclipygus striatellus is a small clown beetle in the Histeridae, originally described as Tribalister striatellus by Fall in 1917. It belongs to a that experienced significant taxonomic expansion in 2013, when 138 new Operclipygus were described from Central and South America. This species occurs in temperate North America, unlike most of its which are tropical.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Operclipygus striatellus: /ˌɒp.ər.klɪˈpaɪ.ɡəs striːˈæt.əl.əs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other histerid beetles by the clamshell-like characteristic of the Operclipygus. Separation from the 138+ other Operclipygus requires examination of subtle morphological characters, likely including genitalic and external structural features detailed in the original revision (Caterino & Tishechkin 2013). The specific epithet 'striatellus' suggests presence of fine striations, possibly on the or pronotum.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Canada (Ontario) and the United States (Iowa, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Wisconsin).
Similar Taxa
- Other Operclipygus speciesNearly 140 exist, mostly tropical; O. striatellus is one of few temperate in the
- Other Exosternini generaShare Histeridae characteristics but differ in pygidial structure and other morphological features
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described in the Tribalister by Fall (1917), later transferred to Operclipygus. The genus Operclipygus underwent major revision in 2013 by Caterino & Tishechkin, who described 138 new primarily from tropical Central and South America based on examination of over 4000 specimens.
Biogeographic note
Unlike most Operclipygus , which are tropical, O. striatellus occurs in temperate eastern and central North America. This disjunct distribution pattern suggests the species may represent a distinct evolutionary lineage within the .