Sphaerites politus
Mannerheim, 1846
polite beetle, American False Clown Beetle
Sphaerites politus is a of false clown beetle in the Sphaeritidae, a small family of beetles closely related to clown beetles (Histeridae). The species was described by Mannerheim in 1846 and occurs in western North America from Alaska south through western Canada and the western United States. It is one of only two species in the Sphaerites found in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphaerites politus: //ˈsfæ.əˌraɪ.tiːz pəˈliː.təs//
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Identification
Sphaerites politus can be distinguished from the only other North American , Sphaerites glabratus, by its more polished and less punctate . Members of the Sphaeritidae are recognized by their compact, oval body form, clubbed with three segments, and overall resemblance to small histerid beetles. The family is distinguished from Histeridae by the structure of the and mesosternum.
Images
Distribution
Western North America: Alaska, western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia), and western United States (California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington).
Similar Taxa
- Sphaerites glabratusThe only other North American in the ; distinguished by more punctate and different geographic distribution (primarily eastern North America and Europe)
- Histeridae (clown beetles)Similar compact body form and clubbed ; distinguished by prosternal and mesosternal structure and different antennal club