Euspilotus scrupularis
(J.E.LeConte, 1860)
clown beetle
Euspilotus scrupularis is a of clown beetle in the Histeridae. It occurs across western and southern North America and into Central America. Like other histerid beetles, it likely inhabits decomposing organic matter where it preys on fly larvae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Euspilotus scrupularis: /juːˈspaɪloʊtəs skruːˈpʊlərɪs/
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Habitat
Decomposing organic matter including carrion, , and compost; associated with supporting abundant fly .
Distribution
Canada (British Columbia), United States (Arizona, California, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington), Mexico, and Central America.
Behavior
Has been observed in association with decomposing animal matter.
Ecological Role
of dipteran larvae; contributes to decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial .
Similar Taxa
- Euspilotus assimilisOverlapping distribution in western North America; distinguished by subtle differences in elytral striation and body proportions.
- Other Histeridae generaEuspilotus share the characteristic histerid body form with shortened exposing terminal abdominal segments, but differ in antennal club structure and prosternal .
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Euspilotus was historically treated as a subgenus of Phelister but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological characters of the and mesosternum.