Saprinus lugens

Erichson, 1834

clown beetle

Saprinus lugens is a small clown in the , measuring 5–8 mm. The has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America. It has been to parts of Europe including France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The beetle is predatory and commonly associated with carrion, where it feeds on other small .

Saprinus lugens by (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart. Used under a CC-BY license.Saprinus lugens by (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart. Used under a CC-BY license.Saprinus lugens by (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Saprinus lugens: //səˈpraɪnəs ˈludʒɛnz//

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Images

Habitat

Found in association with carrion and decomposing matter.

Distribution

to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America. to France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Distribution records from GBIF include Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec), USA, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Diet

Predatory on other small found in carrion.

Behavior

When disturbed, plays dead or digs to escape.

Ecological Role

Contributes to carrion decomposition through on other small .

Tags

Sources and further reading