- Sphaerites
Taxobox
name = "Sphaerites"
regnum =Animal ia
phylum =Arthropod a
classis =Insect a
ordo = Coleoptera
subordo =Polyphaga
infraordo =Staphyliniformia
superfamilia =Histeroidea
familia = Sphaeritidae
familia_authority =Schuckard , 1839
genus = "Sphaerites"
genus_authority = Duftschmid, 1805
subdivision_ranks =Species
subdivision = "S. dimidiatus" "S. glabratus" "S. nitidus" "S. politus""Sphaerites" is a genus of
beetle s, the only genus in the family Sphaeritidae, sometimes called the "false clown beetles". It is closely related to theclown beetle s but with distinct characteristics. There are four known species, widespread in temperate area but not commonly seen.Adults range in length from 4.5–7 mm, with oval bodies, black but with a slight bluish-green sheen.
The life histories are poorly known, but they are generally found around decaying matter and fungi. "S. glabratus" is associated with
conifer forests in northern Europe, and seems especially attracted to sap flows from trees, feeding and then mating.References
*
Alfred F. Newton , "Sphaeritidae", inRoss H. Arnett, Jr. andMichael C. Thomas , "American Beetles " (CRC Press, 2001), vol. 1
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