Anthicus flavicans
LeConte, 1852
Golden Antlike Flower Beetle
Anthicus flavicans is a of antlike flower beetle in the Anthicidae. It is found in North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species is known by the Golden Antlike Flower Beetle. As a member of Anthicidae, it exhibits the characteristic -mimicking typical of this family.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthicus flavicans: /ˈænθɪkəs ˈflævɪˌkænz/
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Identification
Members of Anthicus can be distinguished from true ants (Formicidae) by their -like features including hardened forewings (). Within the , A. flavicans may be recognized by its yellowish or golden coloration as suggested by the specific epithet "flavicans" (meaning yellowish) and the "Golden Antlike Flower Beetle."
Distribution
North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada.
Similar Taxa
- True ants (Formicidae)Anthicus are mimics and may be mistaken for ants due to their similar body shape, narrow waist-like pronotum, and erratic movements. They can be distinguished by having (hardened wing covers) and only two visible body segments behind the versus the three distinct segments (head, , ) of ants.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet "flavicans" derives from Latin, meaning yellowish or golden, referring to the coloration of this .