Isotrilophus
Liljeblad, 1945
Species Guides
1Isotrilophus is a of tumbling flower beetles in the Mordellidae, established by Liljeblad in 1945. The genus contains at least two described : Isotrilophus erraticus (described by Smith in 1883) and Isotrilophus rasnitsyni (described by Odnosum & Perkovsky in 2016). Members of this genus share the characteristic humped body shape and ability to tumble from flowers when disturbed, traits common to the family Mordellidae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Isotrilophus: /ˌaɪsoʊˈtrɪləfəs/
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Identification
Isotrilophus can be distinguished from other Mordellidae by features of the antennal structure and body proportions, though specific diagnostic characters require examination of . The genus is characterized by the combination of a strongly humped , pointed , and relatively short . -level identification relies on subtle differences in elytral and male genitalia.
Distribution
The has been recorded from North America (Isotrilophus erraticus) and from Baltic amber deposits (Isotrilophus rasnitsyni), indicating a historical distribution that included the Palearctic region. The extant I. erraticus occurs in the United States.
Similar Taxa
- MordellistenaSimilar small size and tumbling ; distinguished by antennal structure and body proportions in Isotrilophus
- MordellaShares the characteristic humped body and tumbling escape ; Isotrilophus differs in antennal and abdominal features
More Details
Fossil Record
Isotrilophus rasnitsyni is known from Eocene Baltic amber, providing evidence for the 's antiquity and former presence in Europe. This fossil was described in 2016 and represents one of the few fossil tumbling flower beetles assigned to extant genera.
Taxonomic History
The was established by Liljeblad in 1945 to accommodate previously placed in other mordellid genera based on reevaluation of morphological characters, particularly antennal .