Histeridae
Guides
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.