Platysoma

Leach, 1817

clown beetles

Platysoma is a of clown ( ) comprising over 80 described . Members are small, compact beetles that inhabit subcortical environments beneath tree bark. They are predatory throughout their , specializing in . The genus is notable among Histeridae for exhibiting facultative in .

Platysoma leconti by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Platysoma coarctatum by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Platysoma by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Platysoma: /ˌplætɪˈsoʊmə/

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Images

Habitat

Subcortical environments beneath tree bark in forest and woodland . Associated with galleries in coniferous and hardwood trees.

Distribution

Widely distributed; documented from North America (Colorado), India (Kashmir), and other regions. Specific distribution varies by .

Diet

Predatory on (Scolytinae). of Platysoma cylindrica preferentially consume adult Ips pini (pine engraver ) and facultatively on . feed on bark beetle larvae.

Host Associations

Ips pini - -Pine engraver (); primary of Platysoma cylindrica
Scolytinae - -; general association for

Life Cycle

Endophytic (subcortical) . Both and occur within galleries under tree bark. Developmental stages are spent entirely within the subcortical environment.

Behavior

actively hunt within galleries. Exploits gallery architecture constructed by herbivorous to facilitate prey capture. Adults exhibit rapid prey immobilization. Unusual among for facultative by adults.

Ecological Role

of , including Ips pini. Among the most abundant predators of pine engraver . Contributes to natural regulation of bark beetle in forest .

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The name Platysoma has also been applied to a marine copepod (Paramisophria platysoma), but this is unrelated to the genus.

Research Context

Most detailed behavioral studies on Platysoma cylindrica; broader -level generalizations should be treated cautiously pending additional -specific research.