Atrecus macrocephalus
(Nordmann, 1837)
Atrecus macrocephalus is a in the tribe Othiini, characterized by its relatively large compared to body proportions. The occurs across northern North America and has been recorded in both Canada and the western and northeastern United States. As a member of , it belongs to one of the most diverse , though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atrecus macrocephalus: //ˈæ.trɪ.kəs ˌmæk.roʊˈsɛ.fə.ləs//
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Identification
The specific epithet 'macrocephalus' refers to the enlarged relative to body size, a diagnostic feature distinguishing this from . Members of Atrecus can be separated from related othiine by genitalic characters and detailed proportions, though precise identification requires reference to specialized for the tribe Othiini.
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Distribution
Recorded from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Alaska, California, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington). The distribution spans , montane, and coastal temperate regions.
Similar Taxa
- Atrecus affinis with overlapping distribution in northern regions; distinguished by proportional differences in size and genitalic .
- Gyrohypnus speciesFormerly classified under this ; separated based on revised tribal and generic concepts in Othiini, with Atrecus representing a distinct lineage.
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Gyrohypnus macrocephalus by Nordmann in 1837, subsequently transferred to Atrecus based on phylogenetic and morphological revisions of the tribe Othiini.
Taxonomic note
The tribe Othiini contains relatively few North , and Atrecus represents one of the better-documented within this group, though species-level remains understudied.