Hololepta quadridentata

Hololepta quadridentata can be distinguished from other Hololepta species by the specific configuration implied by its species epithet "quadridentata," referring to four-toothed structures. Members of the genus Hololepta are notably flattened dorsoventrally, an adaptation for living under bark. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of mandibular and prosternal characters.

Associated with decaying organic matter, particularly under bark of dead trees and in rotting wood. The flattened body form indicates specialization for narrow spaces beneath bark.

Native range: United States (Florida, Louisiana), Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, and Caribbean islands including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia. Introduced to Spain.

Has been observed in association with decaying wood and bark, suggesting a role in decomposition processes and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

• Hololepta planaAnother widespread Hololepta species with similar flattened morphology; requires careful examination of diagnostic characters to distinguish.
• Other Histeridae generaHololepta is distinguished from other histerid genera by its extreme dorsoventral flattening and associated morphological adaptations for subcortical habitats.

• Coleoptera
• Histeridae
• clown beetle
• saproxylic
• Neotropical
• Nearctic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon