Caelius montanus

(Brown, 1931)

Caelius montanus is a of scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, Aegialiinae. It was originally described as Aegialia montana by Brown in 1931. The species is found in mountainous and northern regions of western North America, including Alaska, the western Canadian provinces, and the Rocky Mountain states of the United States. Like other members of the tribe Aegialiini, it is associated with sandy or loose soil .

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Caelius montanus: //ˈkaɪ.li.əs mɒnˈtæ.nəs//

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Identification

Members of the Caelius can be distinguished from related scarab genera by features of the male genitalia and overall body form. Within Caelius, -level identification requires examination of genitalic structures. The specific epithet 'montanus' refers to its mountainous distribution. For definitive identification, specimens should be compared with type material or authoritative keys to Aegialiini.

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Habitat

Associated with sandy or loose soil substrates in mountainous and northern regions. Specific microhabitat preferences within these areas are not well documented in available sources.

Distribution

Western North America: Alaska, USA; Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Canada; Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, USA.

Similar Taxa

Caelius other speciesOther members of the Caelius share the general body plan and preferences; identification to requires genitalic examination.
Aegialia speciesHistorically placed in Aegialia; Caelius was separated based on morphological characters including male genitalia structure.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Aegialia montana by Brown in 1931, this was later transferred to the Caelius as part of a reclassification of the tribe Aegialiini. The basionym Aegialia montana is now considered a synonym.