Leptinus occidentamericanus
Peck, 1982
Occidental Round Fungus Beetle
Leptinus occidentamericanus is a small in the Leiodidae. It is a facultative that lives on small mammals. The species was described by Peck in 1982 and is found in western North America from California to Alaska and the Yukon. It has been recorded from 11 species, most frequently on Sorex trowbridgii.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leptinus occidentamericanus: /ˈlɛptɪnʊs ˌɒksɪˌdɛntæməˈrɪkənəs/
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Habitat
Found in association with small mammal . Specific microhabitat preferences beyond host association are not documented.
Distribution
Western North America, ranging from California northward to Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada.
Seasonality
Active during spring and fall months.
Host Associations
- Sorex trowbridgii - primary most frequent
- small mammals - 11 documented
Behavior
Facultative of small mammals. Has been observed on during spring and fall.
Similar Taxa
- Leptinus americanusAlso occurs in North America but restricted to central United States west of the Mississippi River; differs in geographic range and unknown associations.
- Leptinus orientamericanusOccurs east of the Mississippi River with different seasonality (fall and winter) and primary (Blarina brevicauda and Scalopus aquaticus).
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Originally described in Leptinidae, now treated as Platypsyllinae within Leiodidae. The 'Occidental ' is misleading as the is not primarily associated with fungi but rather with mammal .