Serica anthracina

LeConte, 1856

Serica anthracina is a small scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae, described by LeConte in 1856. measure 5–8.5 mm in length and exhibit variable coloration ranging from uniform testaceous to black. The is distributed across western North America, from the Canadian prairies through the Rocky Mountain region to the Pacific coast.

Serica anthracina by (c) Toby, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Toby. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Serica anthracina: //sɛˈriː.kə ænˈθræ.sɪ.nə//

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Identification

Identification to level within the Serica requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters. The variable coloration (testaceous to black) overlaps with other Serica species. Specimens from the western Nearctic region with this size range and color pattern should be compared against described species in the S. anthracina species group. Dissection and reference to original description or revisionary works is typically necessary for confident identification.

Images

Appearance

are small scarab beetles, 5–8.5 mm in length. Body coloration is variable, ranging from uniform pale brown (testaceous) to entirely black. The lacks distinctive markings or patterns that would readily distinguish it from based on coloration alone.

Distribution

Western Nearctic region. Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan. United States: California, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota. The occupies a broad longitudinal range from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast, primarily in montane and intermontane regions.

Similar Taxa

Other Serica speciesNumerous in western North America share similar size, body form, and variable brown to black coloration. Many require genitalic dissection for reliable separation.
Serica sericeaOverlapping distribution and similar size; distinguished by subtle differences in antennal club structure and male genitalia.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1856. The epithet 'anthracina' (meaning coal-black) refers to the dark color form, though the species is notably variable in coloration.

Collection Records

GBIF and iNaturalist records document 37+ observations, with specimens from both lowland and montane localities across its range. The appears to be moderately common but undercollected relative to more conspicuous scarabs.