Histeridae
Guides
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.