Histeridae
Guides
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.