Spilodiscus biplagiatus
(LeConte, 1845)
clown beetle
Spilodiscus biplagiatus is a of clown beetle in the Histeridae, characterized by distinctive red maculations on the . The species occurs across much of the United States and extends into Central America. It has been collected in open sandy and associated with flowering plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spilodiscus biplagiatus: /ˌspaɪloʊˈdɪskəs ˌbaɪpləˈdʒaɪətəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Spilodiscus by the specific pattern and placement of the two red elytral maculations. The combination of black body with paired red spots separates it from uniformly colored histerids and those with different spot patterns. Confirmation may require examination of antennal club structure and male genitalia.
Appearance
Small histerid with black body and two red maculations (spots) on the . The elytral pattern gives the its name, derived from Greek 'spilos' (spot) and 'diskos' (disc). Typical histerid body form: compact, oval, with shortened elytra exposing one or two abdominal tergites.
Habitat
Open sandy areas, including dunes and hard-packed sandy soils. Associated with flowering vegetation; has been observed on Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus (smallflower desert-chicory).
Distribution
United States: widespread across central and eastern states including Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia. Mexico: presence indicated but specific records unclear. Central America: range extends southward though specific countries not documented in sources.
Seasonality
active in spring; observed in early May in Oklahoma.
Behavior
Has been observed on flowers, suggesting possible pollen feeding or use of flowers as hunting platforms for prey. Found in open, sunny .
Similar Taxa
- Other Spilodiscus speciesShare -level characteristics of spotted , but differ in number, size, and placement of maculations
- Unspotted HisteridaeUniformly black or metallic lack the diagnostic red elytral spots
More Details
Etymology
name Spilodiscus refers to the spotted ('spilos') disc-like ('diskos') appearance of the . Specific epithet 'biplagiatus' refers to the two ('bi-') spots or markings ('plagiatus') on the elytra.