Psiloscelis
Marseul, 1854
Species Guides
5- Psiloscelis abnormalis(clown beetle)
- Psiloscelis corrosa(clown beetle)
- Psiloscelis perpunctata(clown beetle)
- Psiloscelis planipes(clown beetle)
- Psiloscelis subopaca(clown beetle)
Psiloscelis is a of clown beetles in the Histeridae, established by Marseul in 1854. The genus contains approximately eight described distributed in North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with carrion and decaying organic matter. The genus is taxonomically stable with no synonymy reported.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psiloscelis: /ˌsaɪloʊˈsɛlɪs/
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Identification
Members of Psiloscelis can be distinguished from other histerid by their body form and antennal structure. The genus is placed in the tribe Histerini, tribe-level characters include the form of the and mesosternum. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and detailed punctation patterns on the .
Distribution
North America. are recorded from the United States and Canada.
Similar Taxa
- HisterBoth belong to the tribe Histerini and share general histerid body plan; Psiloscelis are generally smaller and have different antennal club structure.
- MargarinotusAnother histerine with similar preferences; differs in prosternal structure and elytral striation patterns.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Marseul in 1854. have been described by notable coleopterists including John Lawrence LeConte and Thomas Casey in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Species diversity
Eight are currently recognized: P. abnormalis, P. albertensis, P. corrosa, P. millepora, P. perpunctata, P. planipes, P. repleta, and P. subopaca.