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.