Cryptopleurum subtile
Sharp, 1884
Cryptopleurum subtile is a small water scavenger beetle in the Hydrophilidae, described by David Sharp in 1884. The has a broad native distribution across East Asia and has been introduced to Europe and North America. It belongs to the Sphaeridiinae, a group characterized by compact body forms and association with moist or aquatic .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cryptopleurum subtile: /ˌkrɪptoʊˈplʊərəm ˈsʌbtɪli/
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Distribution
Native to East Asia including Japan (Hokkaido), the Russian Far East (Kuril Islands), Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, and Nepal. Introduced to Europe (Belarus, Italy, Ukraine), European Russia, Siberia, and North America (Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan; widespread in USA). Records from China (Beijing) contradict some distribution summaries.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was originally described by British entomologist David Sharp in 1884. The Cryptopleurum is classified in tribe Megasternini within Sphaeridiinae, a group of small hydrophilid beetles often found in decaying organic matter and moist substrates.
Distribution complexity
Sources conflict regarding Chinese distribution: GBIF records list Beijing and other Chinese localities, while Wikipedia states it is found in 'Northern Asia (excluding China).' This discrepancy may reflect introduction status, taxonomic confusion, or incomplete survey data.