Strigister tecolotito
Caterino, Tishechkin & Proudfoot, 2013
Strigister tecolotito is a of clown beetle ( Histeridae) described in 2013. The specific epithet 'tecolotito' derives from a Nahuatl word for a small owl, referencing the owl-like appearance of the 's pronotum. It is one of several species in the Strigister, which belongs to the tribe Exosternini within the Histerinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Strigister tecolotito: //strɪˈɡɪstər ˌtɛkoʊloʊˈtiːtoʊ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Strigister can be distinguished from other Exosternini by the presence of distinctive longitudinal (grooves) on the , which gives the its name. The S. tecolotito specifically is characterized by pronotal features resembling an owl's , as noted in its etymology. Detailed morphological distinctions from require examination of male genitalia and other fine structural characters.
Distribution
Known from Texas, USA. Records indicate presence in North America with confirmed occurrence in the state of Texas.
Similar Taxa
- Other Strigister species share the diagnostic and general body form; S. tecolotito is distinguished by specific pronotal and geographic distribution
- Other Exosternini generaLack the characteristic elytral striation that defines Strigister; require careful examination of sculpturing for separation
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'tecolotito' comes from Nahuatl 'tecolotl' (owl) with the diminutive suffix '-ito', meaning 'little owl', in reference to the owl-like appearance of the pronotum.
Taxonomic history
Described in 2013 by Michael S. Caterino, Alexey K. Tishechkin, and Gordon A. Proudfoot as part of a revision of the Strigister.