Atholus americanus

(Paykull, 1811)

clown beetle

Atholus americanus is a small clown ( ) to North America. measure 2.7–4.2 mm in length. The is distinguished from by its united 5th and sutural striations and the complete absence of subhumeral striations. It occupies a geographic range extending from the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains eastward to central Quebec, with its southern distribution limits remaining poorly documented.

Atholus americanus by CNC/BIO Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Atholus americanus: /ˈæθoʊləs əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Atholus by two elytral characteristics: (1) the 5th and sutural stria are united, and (2) subhumeral striations are entirely absent. These features are consistent and observable in specimens. Size range (2.7–4.2 mm) overlaps with some and should not be used alone for identification.

Images

Appearance

Small measuring 2.7–4.2 mm in length. The body exhibits the compact, rounded form typical of beetles. diagnostic features include united 5th and sutural striations on the and the absence of any subhumeral striations. These elytral characteristics serve as the primary means of distinguishing this from other members of the Atholus.

Distribution

North America, specifically from the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains eastward to central Quebec. The southern extent of its range is poorly known. Documented from Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and from eastern and central United States including New Hampshire.

Similar Taxa

Other Atholus speciesAtholus americanus is distinguished by united 5th and sutural striations and lack of subhumeral striations, whereas typically show separated and/or presence of subhumeral striations

More Details

Taxonomic authority

The was described by Paykull in 1811.