Hololepta populnea
LeConte, J. L., 1851
clown beetle
Hololepta populnea is a of clown beetle in the Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is distributed across southwestern United States and Mexico, extending into Central America. As a member of the Hololepta, it exhibits the characteristic flattened body form adapted for life under bark and in tight spaces. The specific epithet 'populnea' suggests an association with Populus (poplar/cottonwood) trees, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hololepta populnea: //ˌhoʊloʊˈlɛptə ˌpɒpjuˈniːə//
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Identification
Members of the Hololepta are distinguished from other histerid beetles by their strongly flattened, elongate body form and reduced that expose several abdominal tergites. Hololepta populnea specifically can be separated from by geographic range and subtle morphological differences in body proportions and punctation patterns. The lacks the antennal modifications seen in some related genera. Exact diagnostic features distinguishing H. populnea from other Hololepta species are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
Recorded from southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah) and Mexico. The extends into Central America, though specific country records are not detailed in available sources.
Host Associations
- Populus - associated withSpecific epithet suggests association with poplar/cottonwood trees, though direct confirmation of this relationship is not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Hololepta speciesShare the characteristic flattened body form and reduced ; require careful examination of morphological details and geographic range for separation.
- Platysoma speciesAlso flattened histerids with exposed abdominal tergites; differ in antennal structure and body proportions.
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym, while GBIF and other sources treat it as accepted. This discrepancy reflects ongoing taxonomic evaluation of the Hololepta .