Decomposition-fauna
Guides
Arthrolips fasciata
Arthrolips fasciata is a minute beetle species in the family Corylophidae, originally described by Erichson in 1842. Records indicate presence in Belgium with some uncertainty, and the species has been observed 18 times on iNaturalist. Like other members of this family, it is among the smallest beetles, typically associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The genus Arthrolips is part of the diverse microbeetle fauna that remains understudied due to its diminutive size.
Hypocaccus propensus group
The Hypocaccus propensus group comprises a cluster of closely related species within the clown beetle family Histeridae. These small beetles are associated with decaying organic matter and are primarily distinguished by subtle differences in male genitalia and punctation patterns on the elytra. The group is taxonomically significant as it represents a challenging complex for identification, requiring dissection for definitive species determination.
Saprinini
Saprinini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) characterized by small to medium body size, often with metallic coloration and reduced elytral striae. Members are primarily associated with decaying organic matter and carrion, where they prey on fly larvae and other insects. The tribe is cosmopolitan in distribution and contains numerous genera, including the widespread *Saprinus* and *Euspilotus*.
Saprinus profusus
clown beetle
Saprinus profusus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1893. Like other members of the genus Saprinus, it belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species is documented from North America with specific records from Canada and multiple U.S. states.