Histeridae
Guides
Abraeini
Abraeini is a tribe of minute clown beetles within the family Histeridae, first described by MacLeay in 1819. Members of this tribe are among the smallest histerid beetles and are characterized by reduced elytra that expose several abdominal segments. They are primarily associated with decaying organic matter and have been observed in various microhabitats including dung, carrion, and fungal fruiting bodies. The tribe contains multiple genera, though species-level taxonomy remains incompletely resolved for many groups.
Acritus discus
clown beetle
Acritus discus is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Abraeinae, a group of diminutive histerids often associated with decaying organic matter. The species is recorded from multiple localities in eastern North America, including Georgia, Indiana, and New York.
Acritus exiguus
clown beetle
Acritus exiguus is a small clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Erichson in 1834. It occurs across much of eastern North America from southern Canada to Mexico, with records from the northeastern United States through the Gulf Coast states and west to Colorado and Texas. Like other members of the genus Acritus, it is minute in size and associated with decaying organic matter. The species is documented from museum collections and limited iNaturalist observations, though detailed ecological studies remain sparse.
Acritus komai
clown beetle
Acritus komai is a small clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Lewis in 1879. The species exhibits a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania. It belongs to the subfamily Abraeinae, a group of diminutive histerids often associated with decaying organic matter. The species name honors a person, following the Japanese surname 'Komai'.
Aeletes politus
clown beetle
Aeletes politus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1853. The species is found across North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion.
Amblyderus adventive-sp
A small histerid beetle of the genus Amblyderus, recognized as an adventive species in certain regions. Members of this genus are generally associated with decaying organic matter and are often found in dung, carrion, or compost habitats. The specific epithet 'adventive-sp' suggests this represents a non-native or recently introduced population. As with many histerids, it likely serves as a predator or scavenger in decomposing substrates.
Anapleus
clown beetles
Anapleus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, comprising approximately 16 described extant species. The genus was first described by Horn in 1873 and has been documented from the mid-Cretaceous period (ca. 99 Ma) through fossil specimens in Kachin amber, indicating an ancient origin. Extant species are distributed across Europe, Asia, North America, and Central America. The genus is characterized by an ovate body form, which has been hypothesized to represent a basal lineage within Histeridae.
Aphelosternus interstitialis
Aphelosternus interstitialis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John L. LeConte in 1851. The species is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California. Like other members of the subfamily Saprininae, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Aphelosternus is a small group within the diverse Histeridae, and species-level biology for most members is not well studied.
Aritaerius
Aritaerius is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) containing a single described species, A. pallidus. The genus was established in 2004 by Kovarik & Tishechkin and is classified within the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group known for associations with social insects. As a member of the Histeridae, it shares the family's characteristic compact body form and clubbed antennae.
Arizonacritus
Arizonacritus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) described in 2013. The genus contains a single described species, Arizonacritus talayesvai. It belongs to the tribe Acritini within the subfamily Abraeinae. The genus name references Arizona, indicating a geographic association with this region.
Atholus americanus
clown beetle
Atholus americanus is a small clown beetle (family Histeridae) native to North America. Adults measure 2.7–4.2 mm in length. The species is distinguished from congeners by its united 5th dorsal and sutural striations and the complete absence of subhumeral striations. It occupies a geographic range extending from the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains eastward to central Quebec, with its southern distribution limits remaining poorly documented.
Atholus bimaculatus
Spotted Clown Beetle
Atholus bimaculatus, commonly known as the spotted clown beetle, is a species of histerid beetle with a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is native to the Palearctic region (Europe, Northern Asia, North Africa) and has been introduced to North America, South America, and parts of Asia. It belongs to the family Histeridae, a group commonly called clown beetles or hister beetles, which are typically associated with decomposing organic matter. The specific epithet 'bimaculatus' refers to two spots, likely describing a characteristic marking pattern on the elytra.
Atholus falli
Atholus falli
Atholus falli is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Bickhardt in 1912. It is known from North America with documented records across Canada and the United States. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion.
Atholus relictus
clown beetle
Atholus relictus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by Marseul in 1870. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Atholus sedecimstriatus
clown beetle
Atholus sedecimstriatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species is native to North America and has been documented in both the United States and Canada. It belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter. The specific epithet 'sedecimstriatus' (Latin for 'sixteen-striped') likely refers to elytral striation patterns characteristic of the species.
Bacanius
clown beetles
Bacanius is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The genus contains more than 70 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus share the compact, rounded body form characteristic of histerid beetles.
Bacanius acuminatus
clown beetle
Bacanius acuminatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Casey in 1893. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from California. The species belongs to a group commonly known as clown beetles, characterized by their compact, often rounded body form and clubbed antennae. Like other histerids, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Bacanius globulinus
clown beetle
Bacanius globulinus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae, a group of small histerid beetles often associated with decaying organic matter. The species has been documented in California, USA, with limited observational records available.
Bacanius hatchi
Bacanius hatchi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Wenzel in 1960. It is known from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, with records from Oregon and Washington. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and various microhabitats.
Bacanius tantillus
Bacanius tantillus is a small species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It is one of the smallest members of its genus, as indicated by its specific epithet 'tantillus' (Latin for 'so little'). The species is native to eastern North America, where it occurs in forested habitats. Like other members of the subfamily Dendrophilinae, it is likely associated with decaying wood and fungal substrates.
Baconia
Baconia is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising 116 species, with 85 species described in a 2013 systematic revision. The genus is renowned for brilliant jewel-like coloration and bizarrely flattened body forms—traits rare and little-appreciated in the Histeridae. Species are primarily distributed across North and South America. Many species are known from extremely few specimens; nearly half are represented by only one or two specimens in museum collections.
Baconia venusta
clown beetle
Baconia venusta is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1845. The genus Baconia is renowned for brilliant coloration and bizarrely flattened body forms, with species exhibiting jewel-like metallic hues that are rare in the Histeridae family. Species in this genus are believed to be predators of wood-boring beetles and their larvae, with some attracted to bark beetle pheromones. B. venusta is one of approximately 116 species in the genus, most of which were described in a 2013 systematic revision.
Caerosternus
Caerosternus is a small genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by J.L. LeConte in 1852. The genus contains a single described species, Caerosternus americanus. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to the group of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles.
Carcinops
clown beetles
Carcinops is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, containing at least 50 described species. These small beetles are known primarily from their role as biological control agents in poultry operations, where they prey on fly eggs and larvae. The genus was established by Marseul in 1855 and belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae.
Carcinops corticis
Carcinops corticis is a species of hister beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Marseul in 1863. It belongs to a genus containing predatory beetles associated with decaying organic matter and animal waste environments. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. As with other Carcinops species, it likely functions as a predator of fly eggs and larvae in manure-rich habitats, though specific ecological data for this species is limited.
Carcinops opuntiae
clown beetle
Carcinops opuntiae is a species of histerid beetle in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. It occurs in North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Texas) and Mexico. The species epithet 'opuntiae' suggests an association with Opuntia cacti, though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented. Like other histerids, adults are likely predatory, feeding on the eggs and larvae of other insects.
Carcinops tejonicus
Carcinops tejonicus is a hister beetle in the family Histeridae. The species is distributed in California, USA and Mexico. It has been recorded as present in both Middle America and North America.
Carcinops viridicollis
clown beetle
Carcinops viridicollis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1855. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona), Mexico, and Guatemala. The specific epithet "viridicollis" (green-necked) suggests a distinctive coloration feature. As a member of the Histeridae family, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Dendrophilinae
clown beetles
Dendrophilinae is a subfamily of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Reitter in 1909. It comprises more than 30 genera and approximately 490 described species. Members of this subfamily share the compact, convex body form characteristic of Histeridae but are distinguished by specific morphological traits and ecological associations.
Dendrophilus kiteleyi
clown beetle
Dendrophilus kiteleyi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Bousquet & Laplante in 1999. It is a small predatory beetle found in forested regions of North America. The species belongs to a genus associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Dendrophilus opacus
Dendrophilus opacus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Ross in 1940. It is found in North America, with recorded occurrences in Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly known for their association with decomposing organic matter and their characteristic compact, oval body form.
Dendrophilus punctatus
clown beetle
Dendrophilus punctatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Dendrophilus punctatus punctatus and Dendrophilus punctatus championi. Like other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter and forested habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dendrophilus xavieri
clown beetle
Dendrophilus xavieri is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1873. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning native ranges in East Asia and introduced populations in Europe, North America, and Australia. Its status as an accepted species versus synonym remains inconsistently reported across taxonomic databases.
Dromaeolus punctatus
Dromaeolus punctatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. Members of this genus are typically associated with forest habitats and are often found under bark or in decaying wood. The genus Dromaeolus is characterized by its elongate body form and distinctive antennal structure.
Eblisia carolina
Eblisia carolina is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Eurylister carolinus. The species has been recorded in eastern and central North America, with confirmed occurrences in Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the United States from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas and South Dakota.
Epierus
clown beetles
Epierus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Erichson in 1834. The genus contains more than 50 described species. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Tribalinae. Like other histerid beetles, they are likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details for the genus remain poorly documented.
Epierus decipiens
clown beetle
Epierus decipiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from the southwestern United States through Central America.
Epierus mehicanus
clown beetle
Epierus mehicanus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860. It belongs to the genus Epierus, a group of histerid beetles characterized by their association with decomposing organic matter. The species is known from limited collection records in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Epierus regularis
clown beetle
Epierus regularis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Palisot de Beauvois in 1818. It is native to North America, with records from eastern Canada and across the eastern and central United States. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles, which are typically associated with decaying organic matter and are often found in carrion, dung, and under bark.
Eremosaprinini
Eremosaprinini is a tribe of small carrion beetles in the family Histeridae, subfamily Saprininae. Members are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions, reflecting adaptations to xeric environments. The tribe comprises several genera of tiny, compact beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Eremosaprinus falli
clown beetle
Eremosaprinus falli is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Ross in 1939. The species belongs to the genus Eremosaprinus, a group of small predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. It occurs in North America, with records from California (USA) and Baja California (Mexico).
Eremosaprinus minimus
clown beetle
Eremosaprinus minimus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by Tishechkin & Lackner in 2012. The species is found in North America, with records from Arizona, USA. As a member of the Saprininae subfamily, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles often associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion.
Euspilotus
clown beetles
Euspilotus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) containing more than 80 described species. Members of this genus are predatory beetles, with some species documented as predators of forensic importance at decomposition sites. The genus was established by Lewis in 1907 and is classified within the subfamily Saprininae.
Euspilotus assimilis
clown beetle
Euspilotus assimilis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is native to North America and has been recorded across eastern Canada and the eastern United States. As a member of Histeridae, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Euspilotus azurescens
clown beetle
Euspilotus azurescens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1855. The species exhibits a broad Neotropical distribution spanning from the southern United States through Central America to southern South America. It belongs to a genus characterized by small, often metallic beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Euspilotus rossi
clown beetle
Euspilotus rossi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Wenzel in 1939. The species is recorded from North America, with distribution spanning parts of Canada and the United States. Like other members of Histeridae, it belongs to a group commonly known as clown beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Euspilotus scrupularis
clown beetle
Euspilotus scrupularis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It occurs across western and southern North America and into Central America. Like other histerid beetles, it likely inhabits decomposing organic matter where it preys on fly larvae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860.
Exosternini
clown beetles
Exosternini is a tribe of clown beetles (family Histeridae) containing at least 60 genera and approximately 800 described species. Members are predominantly small, predatory beetles with diverse body forms ranging from compact and rounded to bizarrely flattened. The tribe includes notable genera such as Baconia, known for brilliant metallic coloration, and Operclipygus, characterized by clamshell-like pygidia. Many species remain poorly known due to extreme rarity and tropical distribution.
Geomysaprinus
clown beetles
Geomysaprinus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Ross in 1940. The genus contains at least 20 described species, distributed primarily in North America. Members are small, compact beetles typical of the Saprininae subfamily. The genus name reflects an association with Geomyidae (pocket gophers), suggesting possible commensal or symbiotic relationships with mammal burrows.
Geomysaprinus castanipennis
Chestnut-winged Clown Beetle
Geomysaprinus castanipennis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from western Canada and the northwestern United States. The species epithet 'castanipennis' refers to the chestnut-colored wing covers. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with rodent burrows, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Geomysaprinus floridae
Equal-clawed Gopher Tortoise Hister Beetle, clown beetle
Geomysaprinus floridae is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is known by the common name Equal-clawed Gopher Tortoise Hister Beetle, indicating a likely association with gopher tortoise burrows. The species was described by Horn in 1873 and occurs in North America, with records from Florida. Like other members of Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles, many of which are associated with decaying organic matter and animal burrows.
Geomysaprinus goffi
Geomysaprinus goffi is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Ross in 1940. It belongs to the genus Geomysaprinus, a group of histerid beetles often associated with mammal burrows. The species is known from scattered records in the southern United States.
Geomysaprinus parumpunctatus
clown beetle
Geomysaprinus parumpunctatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by J.L. LeConte in 1859. The species has been documented in Kansas, USA, and is known to occur in North America. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a family characterized by clubbed antennae and association with decaying organic matter.
Geomysaprinus posthumus
clown beetle
Geomysaprinus posthumus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species was described by Marseul in 1855. It occurs in parts of North America and Central America. Like other histerid beetles, it belongs to a group commonly known as clown beetles due to their habit of playing dead when disturbed.
Geomysaprinus xerobatis
Geomysaprinus xerobatis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It belongs to the genus Geomysaprinus, a group specialized for association with fossorial mammals. The species epithet "xerobatis" references its documented association with desert-dwelling pocket gophers.
Gnathoncus barbatus
clown beetle
Gnathoncus barbatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Bousquet and Laplante in 1999. It is known from North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Gnathoncus rotundatus
clown beetle
Gnathoncus rotundatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is a small beetle with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents. The species has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It is associated with poultry manure habitats where it functions as a biological control agent of fly pests.
Haeteriinae
Haeteriinae is a subfamily of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising over 110 genera and 330 described species. Members are obligate myrmecophiles and termitophiles, specialized as social symbionts that infiltrate ant and termite colonies. The subfamily exhibits dramatic behavioral and chemical adaptations for colony integration, including mouth-to-mouth feeding with host workers, grooming behaviors, and chemical mimicry of host scents. A 99-million-year-old fossil from Burmese amber demonstrates that this symbiotic relationship originated in the Cretaceous period, contemporaneous with the earliest-known ants.
Haeterius brunneipennis
Haeterius brunneipennis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Randall in 1838. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles known for their associations with social insects.
Haeterius californicus
clown beetle
Haeterius californicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Horn in 1870. It is a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group of histerid beetles commonly known as clown beetles. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from California, USA. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with social insects, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Haeterius exiguus
clown beetle
Haeterius exiguus is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in western North America, with records from the western United States and Canada. The species was described by Mann in 1911. Like other members of the genus Haeterius, it is associated with ants, though specific host relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
Haeterius morsus
clown beetle
Haeterius morsus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. The species is distributed in western North America, with records from California and Colorado in the United States and from Mexico. Like other members of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it is associated with ants.
Haeterius wagneri
clown beetle
Haeterius wagneri is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Ross in 1938. It belongs to the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group commonly known as clown beetles. The species is known from North America, with records from California, USA.
Haeterius zelus
Haeterius zelus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by Fall in 1917. The species is known from North America, with records from California, USA. Like other members of the genus Haeterius, it is likely associated with social insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Halacritus
Halacritus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established in 1893. The genus contains more than 20 described species. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Abraeinae and tribe Acritini. These beetles are part of the diverse histerid fauna, though specific ecological details for the genus remain poorly documented.
Halacritus maritimus
clown beetle
Halacritus maritimus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is distributed in North America, with records from California and potentially other regions of the United States. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles, characterized by their compact bodies and clubbed antennae.
Hippeutister
clown beetles
Hippeutister is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) containing six described species. The genus was established by Reichensperger in 1935 and is classified within the subfamily Haeteriinae. Species in this genus are found in North and South America, with two species (H. californicus and H. solisi) described from California in 2008. Members of this genus, like other Haeteriinae, are likely associated with social insects.
Hippeutister californicus
Hippeutister californicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Caterino & Tishechkin in 2008. It is native to California and has been documented in association with ant colonies of Solenopsis amblychila, suggesting a myrmecophilous lifestyle. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group known for specialized relationships with ants.
Hister
Clown Beetles
Hister is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, comprising small to medium-sized predatory beetles with distinctive compact, oval bodies and clubbed antennae. Members of this genus are typically shiny black or metallic in coloration and are found in diverse habitats worldwide. The genus is taxonomically significant as the type genus of the family Histeridae, with species identification relying heavily on elytral striae patterns and male genitalia characteristics. Some species exhibit morphological variability in dorsal elytral striae configuration, which has been documented in detail for H. shanghaicus.
Hister coenosus
clown beetle
Hister coenosus is a predatory clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has been documented across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Laboratory studies indicate it develops in soil and preys on dipteran larvae.
Hister comes
clown beetle
Hister comes is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Lewis in 1888. It is found in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a family of predaceous beetles commonly associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter.
Hister curtatus
clown beetle
Hister curtatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, a group characterized by their shiny metallic appearance and flattened legs. The species is known from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. Like other hister beetles, it is presumed to be predaceous, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. It was first described by J.E. LeConte in 1844.
Hister defectus
clown beetle
Hister defectus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by J.E. LeConte in 1860. It is distributed across much of eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of Histeridae, it is likely predaceous, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hister furtivus
clown beetle
Hister furtivus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by J. E. LeConte in 1860. It is found in North America, with records across Canada and the United States. The species belongs to a diverse family of predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and decaying organic matter.
Hister humilis
clown beetle
Hister humilis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Fall in 1910. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona), Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. As a member of the genus Hister, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Hister incertus
clown beetle
Hister incertus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, a group characterized by shiny, compact bodies and predatory habits. The species has been documented in North America, with records from Canada and multiple U.S. states. A laboratory study examining its life cycle and habits was published in 1981, though specific biological details from this work are not readily accessible in the provided sources.
Hister indistinctus
clown beetle
Hister indistinctus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is found in North America, with distribution records spanning much of the eastern and central United States. As a member of the Histeridae, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic predatory behavior, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species name 'indistinctus' suggests it may be challenging to distinguish from related species.
Hister laevipes
clown beetle
Hister laevipes is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Hister, it is a small, predaceous beetle. The specific epithet "laevipes" refers to smooth legs, a distinguishing morphological feature.
Hister lucanus
clown beetle
Hister lucanus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Horn in 1873. It is distributed across parts of North America and Central America. Like other members of its family, it possesses the characteristic flattened legs that give clown beetles their common name.
Hister militaris
clown beetle
Hister militaris is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to the genus Hister, one of the most species-rich genera in the family. The species occurs in western North America, with records from British Columbia south through the western United States to California and Arizona. Like other hister beetles, it is likely predaceous, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hister sarcinatus
clown beetle
Hister sarcinatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Lewis in 1898. The species belongs to the genus Hister, one of the most diverse genera within this family of predatory beetles. It is distributed across parts of North America and Central America. Like other hister beetles, it is likely predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Hister servus
clown beetle
Hister servus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, characterized by its compact, shiny black body typical of the genus. It belongs to the H. servus species group, a Neotropical radiation centered in Mexico and Central America with some lineages extending into the southeastern United States. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and North America.
Histerini
clown beetles
Histerini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising at least 540 described species. Members are primarily associated with decomposing organic matter, particularly dung, where they function as predators. The tribe includes genera such as Hister, Margarinotus, and Atholus. Several species have experienced population declines in parts of their range due to agricultural intensification.
Hololepta lucida
clown beetle
Hololepta lucida is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the eastern United States. The species is one of approximately eight in the genus Hololepta, which are characterized by their flattened body form adapted for living under bark and in decaying wood.
Hololepta minuta
clown beetle
Hololepta minuta is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) first described by Erichson in 1834. It belongs to the genus Hololepta, a group characterized by their flattened, compact bodies adapted for living in tight spaces. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central America and into South America, including Caribbean islands.
Hololepta populnea
clown beetle
Hololepta populnea is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is distributed across southwestern United States and Mexico, extending into Central America. As a member of the genus Hololepta, it exhibits the characteristic flattened body form adapted for life under bark and in tight spaces. The specific epithet 'populnea' suggests an association with Populus (poplar/cottonwood) trees, though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Hololepta quadridentata
clown beetle
Hololepta quadridentata is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, characterized by its flattened body form typical of the genus. It is widely distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and into South America. The species has also been introduced to Spain. Like other members of Histeridae, it is associated with decaying organic matter.
Hololepta vicina
clown beetle
Hololepta vicina is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It is native to North America, with recorded occurrences in the United States (Arizona, California, Texas, Washington) and Mexico. As a member of the Histeridae family, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources.
Hololeptini
clown beetles
Hololeptini is a tribe of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising approximately 6 genera and more than 130 described species. Members are characterized by their compact, often flattened body form and association with decomposing organic matter. The tribe includes the genus Hololepta, which contains some of the largest histerid beetles. Hololeptini was established by Hope in 1840.
Hylis californicus
Hylis californicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. Members of this family are typically small, compact beetles associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species epithet 'californicus' indicates a type locality or primary distribution in California. Hylis species are morphologically characterized by shortened elytra that expose several abdominal tergites, a trait common to the family but with genus-specific modifications in antennal structure and body proportions.
Hypocacculus
clown beetles
Hypocacculus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Bickhardt in 1914. The genus contains more than 20 described species and is classified within the subfamily Saprininae. These beetles are part of the diverse Histeridae family, which are known for their association with decomposing organic matter.
Hypocaccus
clown beetles
Hypocaccus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by C.G. Thomson in 1867. The genus comprises more than 120 described species distributed across multiple continents. Taxonomic classification within the genus remains problematic, with several subgenera recognized but inter-relationships and diagnostic characters still under study. Species exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with some individuals showing atypical combinations of characters that complicate subgeneric assignment.
Hypocaccus brasiliensis
clown beetle
Hypocaccus brasiliensis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, originally described by Paykull in 1811 as Hister brasiliensis. It is a widely distributed species with records spanning multiple continents including Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. The species belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion.
Hypocaccus fitchi
clown beetle
Hypocaccus fitchi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species was described by Marseul in 1862. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other histerids, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hypocaccus fraternus
clown beetle
Hypocaccus fraternus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is native to North America with a broad distribution across Canada and the United States. As a member of the Histeridae family, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Hypocaccus iris
clown beetle
Hypocaccus iris is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. The species was described by Fall in 1919. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles, which are often associated with decaying organic matter.
Hypocaccus lucidulus
clown beetle
Hypocaccus lucidulus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The species is known from western North America, with confirmed records in California, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of Histeridae, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and carrion, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Hypocaccus nr-bigener
Hypocaccus nr-bigener is a hister beetle (family Histeridae) identified as near 'bigener' but not formally described or confirmed as matching the original species description. The 'nr' designation indicates morphological similarity to H. bigener without taxonomic certainty. Hister beetles in this genus are generally small, compact predators associated with decaying organic matter. This taxon is known from limited specimen records and lacks formal species-level documentation.
Hypocaccus patruelis
clown beetle
Hypocaccus patruelis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Hypocaccus sparsus
clown beetle
Hypocaccus sparsus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Casey in 1916. The species is found in North America, with records from Florida and South Carolina. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a family of small, compact beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Idolia
clown beetles
Idolia is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising six described species, all described by Lewis between 1885 and 1888 except I. laevissima, which was described by LeConte in 1852. The genus belongs to the subfamily Tribalinae and is characterized by features typical of histerid beetles, though specific diagnostic traits for the genus are not well documented in available sources. Species are distributed across North America.
Iliotona
clown beetles
Iliotona is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Carnochan in 1917. The genus comprises five described species distributed in North America. These beetles belong to the tribe Hololeptini within the subfamily Histerinae. The genus name is sometimes misspelled as 'Illiotona' in older literature.
Iliotona cacti
clown beetle
Iliotona cacti is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species was described by John L. LeConte in 1851, originally placed in the genus Hololepta. It is known from North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the tribe Hololeptini, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles associated with decaying plant material.
Margarinotus egregius
clown beetle
Margarinotus egregius is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Casey in 1916. It is a small predatory beetle found in northeastern North America. Like other histerid beetles, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter where it preys on insect larvae. The species appears to be relatively uncommon, with limited observational records.
Margarinotus faedatus
clown beetle
Margarinotus faedatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from eastern Canada and the eastern United States.
Margarinotus guttifer
clown beetle
Margarinotus guttifer is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Horn in 1862. The species is known from limited occurrence records in North America, with documented populations in Canada (Alberta) and the United States (Nebraska, Texas). Like other members of Histeridae, it is presumed to be associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Margarinotus marginicollis
Margarinotus marginicollis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by J.E. LeConte in 1845.
Margarinotus merdarius
clown beetle
Margarinotus merdarius is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) originally described from Europe. It has been introduced to North America, where it is now established in Canada and the United States. The species belongs to a genus known for association with dung and decaying organic matter.
Margarinotus obscurus
clown beetle
Margarinotus obscurus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, with native records across Europe, Northern Asia, Southern Asia, and Africa, and introduced populations in North America. The species was first described by Kugelann in 1792. Like other members of Histeridae, it is associated with decaying organic matter and carrion habitats.
Margarinotus stygicus
clown beetle
Margarinotus stygicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by J.E. LeConte in 1845. Like other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Margarinotus thomomysi
clown beetle
Margarinotus thomomysi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Caterino in 2010. The specific epithet suggests an association with pocket gophers of the genus Thomomys. It is known from California, USA.
Merohister
clown beetles
Merohister is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Reitter in 1909. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across Europe and Asia. One species, Merohister ariasi, has been the subject of detailed biological study including descriptions of its larval and nymphal stages. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Histeridae family, which are generally associated with decomposing organic matter.
Merohister arboricavi
clown beetle
Merohister arboricavi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Wenzel in 1992. It belongs to the genus Merohister, a group of small predatory beetles. The species is known from limited collection records in the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Myrmetini
Myrmetini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) within the subfamily Saprininae, established by Portevin in 1929. The tribe is currently treated as a synonym in modern classifications, with its constituent genera generally reassigned to other tribes, particularly Saprinini. Members of this group were historically associated with ant colonies (myrmecophily), a trait reflected in the tribe's name derived from Greek 'myrmex' (ant). The taxonomic status reflects ongoing revisionary work in Histeridae systematics.
Neopachylopus
clown beetles
Neopachylopus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Reichardt in 1926. The genus contains six described species distributed across multiple continents. Species in this genus are part of the diverse saprinine lineage of histerid beetles, which are generally associated with decomposing organic matter.
Neopachylopus sulcifrons
clown beetle
Neopachylopus sulcifrons is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was originally described by Mannerheim in 1843 and has been recorded from Canada (British Columbia), the United States (California, Oregon, Washington, and South Dakota), and Mexico. Some taxonomic authorities consider this species a synonym of Hypocaccus sulcifrons.
Omalodes
clown beetles
Omalodes is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, comprising approximately 63-68 described species distributed across three subgenera. It represents the largest genus within the tribe Omalodini and has an exclusively Neotropical distribution, with some species extending into the southern United States. One species, Omalodes (Omalodes) fassli, has been reported on banana crops in Colombia where it may play a role in controlling the banana weevil. The genus is characterized by morphological features including complete apical stria on the elytra in some subgenera.
Omalodini
clown beetles
Omalodini is a tribe of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising at least two genera and more than 60 described species. The tribe was redefined in 2015 to include only the genera Ebonius and Omalodes. Members are distributed across Latin America with some species extending into the southern United States. Available ecological data are limited to a few species in the genus Scapomegas, which are associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter in forest biomes.
Onthophilus giganteus
Onthophilus giganteus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Helava in 1978. It belongs to the subfamily Onthophilinae, a group of histerid beetles often associated with dung and decaying organic matter. The species is known from Florida, USA, and represents one of the larger members of the genus Onthophilus.
Onthophilus intermixtus
clown beetle
Onthophilus intermixtus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Helava in 1978. It belongs to the genus Onthophilus, which contains species known for their compact bodies and association with decomposing matter. The species is documented from Arizona, USA. Members of this genus are generally predatory, though specific feeding habits for this species have not been detailed.
Onthophilus kirni
clown beetle
Onthophilus kirni is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Ross in 1944. It belongs to the genus Onthophilus, a group of small histerid beetles. The species is documented from several states in the southern and central United States. Like other members of its family, it is likely predatory, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Onthophilus lecontei
Leconte's clown beetle
Onthophilus lecontei is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is known from North America, with records from California and other parts of the United States. The species was described by Horn in 1870. As a member of Onthophilus, it belongs to a genus associated with dung and carrion habitats.
Onthophilus wenzeli
clown beetle
Onthophilus wenzeli is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Helava in 1978. The species is known from the central United States, with records from Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. Like other members of the genus Onthophilus, it is associated with dung and decaying organic matter. The specific epithet honors an individual with the surname Wenzel.
Operclipygus marginellus
clown beetle
Operclipygus marginellus is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is one of the earliest-described species in a genus that has expanded dramatically with recent taxonomic revision. The species occurs in North America and is part of a group known for predatory habits and potential forensic applications.
Operclipygus striatellus
clown beetle
Operclipygus striatellus is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae, originally described as Tribalister striatellus by Fall in 1917. It belongs to a genus that experienced significant taxonomic expansion in 2013, when 138 new Operclipygus species were described from Central and South America. This species occurs in temperate North America, unlike most of its congeners which are tropical.
Paromalini
clown beetles
Paromalini is a tribe of small to medium-sized clown beetles within the family Histeridae, containing at least 270 described species across 13 genera. Members are characterized by their compact, oval bodies and clubbed antennae typical of histerid beetles. The tribe includes economically significant species such as Carcinops pumilio, which has been studied for its role in biological control.
Paromalus bistriatus
clown beetle
Paromalus bistriatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Erichson in 1834. The species is recorded from eastern North America, ranging from Canada to the southern United States. It belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles often associated with decaying organic matter.
Paromalus debilis
clown beetle
Paromalus debilis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1879. It belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae and tribe Paromalini. The species is known from North America, with records from Arizona and Colorado in the United States.
Paromalus mancus
clown beetle
Paromalus mancus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1893. It belongs to a group of small beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species has been documented across western North America, with records spanning from Alaska to California and inland to Idaho.
Paromalus teres
clown beetle
Paromalus teres is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae and tribe Paromalini. The species has been documented across northern North America, with occurrence records from Canada and the northern United States.
Peploglyptus
clown beetles
Peploglyptus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by J. L. LeConte in 1880. The genus contains three described species: P. belfragei, P. golbachi, and P. mulu. As members of the Onthophilinae subfamily, these beetles share the compact, rounded body form typical of histerid beetles. The genus is rarely encountered, with minimal observational records.
Phelister
clown beetles
A large genus of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising over 90 described species. Members of the genus occupy diverse habitats including carrion, dung, and vertebrate nests. The P. panamensis species group is distinguished by unique hooks on the apex of the male 8th sternite.
Phelister affinis
Phelister affinis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John E. LeConte in 1860. The species is distributed across the southern United States and Central America. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a group of beetles known for their association with decaying organic matter and association with other insects. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Phelister brevistriatus
clown beetle
Phelister brevistriatus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Casey in 1916. It belongs to the tribe Exosternini within the subfamily Histerinae. The species is known from both North America and Central America, with records from the southwestern United States through Mexico to El Salvador.
Phelister haemorrhous
clown beetle
Phelister haemorrhous is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1854. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning multiple continents, including native ranges in the Americas and an apparent introduced population in Italy. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Phelister subrotundus
clown beetle
Phelister subrotundus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is distributed broadly across North America, with records from Canada and most of the continental United States. Like other members of the family Histeridae, it belongs to the diverse group of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles.
Philoxenus
Philoxenus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, described by Mazur in 1991. The genus is classified within the subfamily Saprininae. Its sole known species, Philoxenus desertorum, is currently treated as a synonym of Hypocaccus desertorum. The genus name derives from Greek, meaning "lover of foreigners" or "hospitable".
Philoxenus desertorum
Philoxenus desertorum is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by Mazur in 1991 and is currently the sole described species in the genus Philoxenus. The species has been recorded from desert regions in California, USA, and Sonora, Mexico. Taxonomic authorities treat this name as a synonym of Hypocaccus desertorum.
Pinaxister
clown beetles
Pinaxister is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Reichensperger in 1939. The genus contains four described species distributed in North America: P. decipiens, P. henricischmidti, P. peninsularis, and P. setiger. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group known for their associations with social insects.
Pinaxister decipiens
clown beetle
Pinaxister decipiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It occurs in North America, with records from Arizona and Texas. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles often associated with social insects, though specific ecological relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
Pinaxister setiger
Pinaxister setiger is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species was described by J. E. LeConte in 1860. It belongs to the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group of histerid beetles often associated with social insects. Distribution records indicate presence in the southeastern and south-central United States.
Platylomalus
clown beetles
Platylomalus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising at least 60 described species. The genus was established by Cooman in 1948 and belongs to the tribe Paromalini within the subfamily Dendrophilinae. Species in this genus share the compact, often oval body form characteristic of histerid beetles.
Platylomalus aequalis
clown beetle
Platylomalus aequalis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1825 as Hister aequalis. This small beetle is widely distributed across North America, ranging from eastern Canada to the Rocky Mountains and south to Florida. As a member of the histerid beetles, it is associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion habitats.
Platysoma
clown beetles
Platysoma is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising over 80 described species. Members are small, compact beetles that inhabit subcortical environments beneath tree bark. They are predatory throughout their life cycle, specializing in bark beetle prey. The genus is notable among Histeridae for exhibiting facultative egg predation behavior in adults.
Platysoma cylindricum
clown beetle
Platysoma cylindricum is a small predatory beetle in the family Histeridae. It inhabits forested regions of North America, where it lives under bark and preys on the larvae of flies and other beetles. The species is associated with coniferous wood, particularly pine logs, and contributes to natural pest control in forest ecosystems.
Platysoma deficiens
clown beetle
Platysoma deficiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the northern United States. As a member of the genus Platysoma, it is presumed to inhabit subcortical environments, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Platysoma leconti
clown beetle
Platysoma leconti is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is native to North America. The species belongs to the genus Platysoma, which comprises predatory beetles commonly found under bark and in other decaying wood habitats.
Platysoma parallelum
clown beetle
Platysoma parallelum is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from multiple U.S. states. Like other members of the genus Platysoma, it is likely associated with decaying wood and bark habitats where it preys on other insects.
Platysoma punctigerum
clown beetle
Platysoma punctigerum is a small predatory beetle in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. The species occurs in western North America and has been documented under bark of coniferous trees, particularly in association with logging operations and freshly cut pine logs. As a member of the genus Platysoma, it is presumed to be a predator of other insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Platysomatini
clown beetles
Platysomatini is a tribe of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Bickhardt in 1914. The tribe contains at least 30 genera and approximately 380 described species, making it one of the more species-rich tribes within Histerinae. Members are found across multiple continents and are documented in over 1,000 iNaturalist observations.
Plegaderus
clown beetles
Plegaderus is a genus of small clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Erichson in 1834. The genus contains more than 30 described species. These beetles belong to the subfamily Abraeinae and tribe Plegaderini. Members are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Plegaderus confusus
clown beetle
Plegaderus confusus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Bousquet & Laplante in 1999. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Plegaderus, it belongs to a group of small histerid beetles often associated with decaying organic matter.
Plegaderus sayi
clown beetle
Plegaderus sayi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1856. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of Histeridae, it belongs to a group commonly known as clown beetles due to their habit of feigning death when disturbed. The species is part of the subfamily Abraeinae, a lineage of small to minute histerid beetles.
Pseudepierus
clown beetles
Pseudepierus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Casey in 1916. The genus contains at least two described species: P. gentilis and P. italicus. Like other histerids, these beetles are likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Psiloscelis abnormalis
clown beetle
Psiloscelis abnormalis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Mann in 1924. It is known from limited distribution records in the northern Great Plains region of North America, specifically from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan and the U.S. state of North Dakota. Like other members of Histeridae, it is presumed to be associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Psiloscelis corrosa
clown beetle
Psiloscelis corrosa is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Thomas L. Casey in 1893. The species is documented from prairie and grassland regions of central North America, with records spanning from the Canadian prairies through the northern Great Plains to the upper Midwest. Like other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and carrion, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Psiloscelis contains relatively small, inconspicuous species that are infrequently collected.
Psiloscelis planipes
clown beetle
Psiloscelis planipes is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Psiloscelis subopaca
clown beetle
Psiloscelis subopaca is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by LeConte in 1863. It is a small beetle distributed across western and central North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other histerids, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Renclasea
clown beetles
Renclasea is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) erected by Tishechkin and Caterino in 2009. The genus comprises six described species, all described in the same 2009 publication. All species within the genus share the same authorship and year of description. As a member of subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles often associated with social insects.
Renclasea falli
Renclasea falli is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Tishechkin & Caterino in 2009. It is known from California, USA. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a specialized group of histerid beetles. The genus Renclasea was established relatively recently, reflecting ongoing taxonomic refinement within the Histeridae.
Reninus
Reninus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Lewis in 1889. The genus contains approximately 13 described species, all classified within the subfamily Haeteriinae. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with the broader ecological habits of histerid beetles, though specific biological details for the genus remain poorly documented in available literature.
Saprininae
clown beetles
Saprininae is a subfamily of clown beetles within the family Histeridae, comprising over 50 genera and approximately 800 described species. The group is globally distributed but shows notable biogeographic variation, with particular diversity in arid and coastal habitats. Members exhibit diverse ecological associations, including free-living predators, myrmecophiles, and termitophiles.
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
clown beetles
Saprinus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, containing more than 200 described species. Members are found on every continent except Antarctica. The genus includes species associated with carrion, dung, and other decaying organic matter, where they function as predators of other small insects. Some species have specialized associations with ants or termites.
Saprinus discoidalis
clown beetle
Saprinus discoidalis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group characterized by small, spherical, highly polished beetles. The species is known from North America with records from western Canada, the western and central United States, and Mexico.
Saprinus distinguendus
clown beetle
Saprinus distinguendus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Marseul in 1855. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of the genus Saprinus, it is a predatory beetle typically associated with decomposing organic matter.
Saprinus felipae
clown beetle
Saprinus felipae is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by Lewis in 1913. The species belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group of predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter. Like other members of its genus, it is likely predatory on other small insects found in such habitats.
Saprinus fimbriatus
Saprinus fimbriatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, subfamily Saprininae. It is native to western North America, with records from the western United States, southwestern Canada, and Mexico. As with other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851.
Saprinus ignotus
Saprinus ignotus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, subfamily Saprininae. The species was described by Marseul in 1855. GBIF records indicate occurrence in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. The genus Saprinus comprises predatory beetles typically associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter.
Saprinus impressus
clown beetle
Saprinus impressus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by J.E. LeConte in 1844. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As a member of the subfamily Saprininae, it shares the characteristic traits of hister beetles including a compact, convex body form and predatory habits.
Saprinus laciniatus
Saprinus laciniatus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Casey in 1916. It belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter. The genus Saprinus is widespread and diverse, with species typically found in habitats rich in decaying organic material where they prey on other insects.
Saprinus lubricus
Saprinus lubricus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) in the subfamily Saprininae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is distributed across North America from Canada to Central America, with records extending south to Argentina and Chile. Like other hister beetles, it is likely associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details for this species are limited.
Saprinus lugens
clown beetle
Saprinus lugens is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae, measuring 5–8 mm. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America. It has been introduced to parts of Europe including France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The beetle is predatory and commonly associated with carrion, where it feeds on other small insects.
Saprinus martini
Saprinus martini is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Henry Clinton Fall in 1917. The species belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group of predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter. Records indicate it occurs in western North America including California, Oregon, Nebraska, and Mexico. Like other histerids, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic behaviors including playing dead when disturbed and preying on other insects.
Saprinus orbicularis
Saprinus orbicularis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, subfamily Saprininae. Members of this genus are typically small, spherical, highly polished beetles associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter. The species is predatory on other small insects found in these habitats. Like other histerids, it exhibits defensive behaviors including playing dead when disturbed.
Saprinus oregonensis
clown beetle
Saprinus oregonensis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by LeConte in 1844. The species is distributed across western North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan), the United States (California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington), and Mexico. As a member of the Saprininae subfamily, it belongs to a group of predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter.
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.
Saprinus scabriceps
Saprinus scabriceps is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Casey in 1916. Like other members of the genus Saprinus, it is likely associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter. The species has been recorded from the western United States, specifically Nevada and Oregon. As with most histerids, it is presumed to be predatory on other insects, particularly fly larvae, in its habitat.
Saprinus subnitescens
clown beetle
Saprinus subnitescens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has been recorded from Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was described by Bickhardt in 1909. As a member of the genus Saprinus, it belongs to a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and dung habitats.
Saprinus vestitus
Saprinus vestitus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It is classified within the subfamily Saprininae and placed in the subgenus Xerosaprinus. The species is known from California, USA. Histerid beetles in this genus are typically small, predatory beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Saprinus vitiosus
Saprinus vitiosus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the subfamily Saprininae, a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and dung. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other hister beetles, it is likely predatory on other insects in decaying organic matter.
Spilodiscus arcuatus
clown beetle
Spilodiscus arcuatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is a small beetle distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and numerous U.S. states. As a member of Histeridae, it likely occupies decomposing organic matter habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Spilodiscus gloveri
clown beetle
Spilodiscus gloveri is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Horn in 1870. It is characterized by a black body with two distinctive red maculations (spots) on the elytra, a color pattern that inspired the genus name 'Spilodiscus' (spotted disc). The species occurs in North America, with documented records from the south-central and south-western United States.
Spilodiscus sellatus
clown beetle
Spilodiscus sellatus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by LeConte in 1857. It is found in western North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and possibly Mexico. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive elytral markings.
Stictostix
Stictostix is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Marseul in 1870. It belongs to the subfamily Tribalinae within the diverse beetle superfamily Histeroidea. The genus contains relatively few documented species and remains poorly studied compared to more speciose histerid genera. Species in this genus are associated with forest floor and decaying wood habitats, where they function as predators of other small invertebrates.
Strigister
Strigister is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, erected in 2013. The genus contains two described species: Strigister simoni and Strigister tecolotito. Like other histerids, members of this genus are likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Terapus
Terapus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Marseul in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group characterized by associations with ants and termites. The genus is poorly known, with very few observations and limited published information on its biology. Members of Haeteriinae are generally myrmecophilous or termitophilous, living as inquilines in ant or termite colonies.
Teretriosoma
clown beetles
Teretriosoma is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Horn in 1873. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. One species, Teretriosoma nigrescens, has been extensively studied as a biological control agent against the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus, a major pest of stored maize and cassava in Africa and Latin America. Members of this genus are small predatory beetles associated with decomposing organic matter and stored products.
Teretriosoma paradoxum
Teretriosoma paradoxum is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Lewis in 1888. It belongs to the tribe Teretriini, a group of minute histerids often associated with decaying organic matter and fungi. The species is documented from Central America, with records from Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits microhabitats in forested environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Teretrius
clown beetles
Teretrius is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising at least 70 described species. The genus has gained significant attention due to the use of Teretrius nigrescens as a classical biological control agent against the invasive larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus in Africa. Members of this genus are small predatory beetles associated with stored products and woodland habitats. The genus was established by Erichson in 1834 and is classified within the subfamily Abraeinae.
Teretrius cylindrellus
clown beetle
Teretrius cylindrellus is a small species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Casey in 1916. It belongs to the tribe Teretriini within the subfamily Abraeinae, a group characterized by compact, often cylindrical body forms. The species is known from California, USA, and is part of a genus whose members are generally associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Teretrius latebricola
clown beetle
Teretrius latebricola is a small histerid beetle described by Lewis in 1901. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Aymericetrius latebricola by some taxonomic authorities, though both names remain in use across different databases. It is recorded from eastern North America, with observations from both Canada and the United States. As a member of the Abraeinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of minute histerids often associated with decaying organic matter.
Teretrius placitus
clown beetle
Teretrius placitus is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Horn in 1880. The species belongs to the subfamily Abraeinae, a group characterized by minute body size and reduced elytra. It is known from limited collection records in the southwestern United States, specifically Nevada. As with most Teretriini, detailed biological information remains sparse due to its cryptic habits and small size.
Xestipyge
clown beetles
Xestipyge is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Marseul in 1862. The genus contains at least 10 described species distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Species in this genus are small histerid beetles associated with forest and woodland habitats.
Xestipyge geminatum
clown beetle
Xestipyge geminatum is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860. It is one of at least three species in the genus Xestipyge found in North America. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning eastern and central North America, from Canada through the United States to Texas and Florida.