Atholus sedecimstriatus
(Say, 1825)
clown beetle
Atholus sedecimstriatus is a of clown beetle in the Histeridae, described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species is native to North America and has been documented in both the United States and Canada. It belongs to a of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter. The specific epithet 'sedecimstriatus' (Latin for 'sixteen-striped') likely refers to elytral striation patterns characteristic of the species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atholus sedecimstriatus: /ˈæθoʊləs sɪˌdɛksɪmˈstraɪətəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Atholus by the presence of sixteen elytral , as indicated by the specific epithet. Members of Atholus are small histerid beetles with compact bodies and clubbed ; species-level identification requires examination of elytral and male genitalia. Separated from the similar Hister by generally smaller size and different antennal club structure.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America: documented from Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina).
Similar Taxa
- Atholus confinisOverlapping distribution in eastern North America; distinguished by elytral striation count and pattern
- Hister speciesSimilar compact body form and preferences; separated by antennal structure and typically fewer elytral
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'sedecimstriatus' derives from Latin 'sedecim' (sixteen) and 'striatus' (grooved/striated), referring to the elytral .