| Margarinotus taiwanus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Histeridae |
| Genus: | Margarinotus |
| Subgenus: | Grammostethus |
| Species: | M. taiwanus |
| Binomial name | |
| Margarinotus taiwanus Mazur, 2008 | |
Margarinotus taiwanus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. [1] [2] [3] [4] It is endemic to Taiwan. [1] [2]
The type series was collected from Tatachia in Nantou in central Taiwan. Additional specimens were obtained from Hsinpaiyang (=Xinbaiyang) in Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan. [2]
The body is elongate-oval, convex, black, and shiny. The dorsal side is finely and rarely punctulate, although the elytra are sometimes more coarsely punctate. The legs are paler than the body, pitch-brown and a little expanded. It can be distinguished from all other members of the subgenus Grammostethus by the foretibia not being multidentate. [2]
Total length is 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) and width is 3.2–3.6 mm (0.13–0.14 in). [2]
Histeridae is a family of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles. This very diverse group of beetles contains 3,900 species found worldwide. They can be easily identified by their shortened elytra that leaves two of the seven tergites exposed, and their geniculate (elbowed) antennae with clubbed ends. These predatory feeders are most active at night and will fake death if they feel threatened. This family of beetles will occupy almost any kind of niche throughout the world. Hister beetles have proved useful during forensic investigations to help in time of death estimation. Also, certain species are used in the control of livestock pests that infest dung and to control houseflies. Because they are predacious and will even eat other hister beetles, they must be isolated when collected.
Margarinotus brunneus is a species of beetles belonging to the family Histeridae. They seem to be a vibrant blue colour, but when their shell is under a microscope it appears a pastel red colour. This is due to “Delton’s colour theory of aphropods.”
Margarinotus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae. There are at least 110 described species in Margarinotus.
Plaesius javanus, the Jepson's beetle, is a species of clown beetles belonging to the family Histeridae.
Margarinotus umbrosus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in Western North America, from central California to British Columbia in the north and eastward to Montana and Alberta. It has been recorded from dung, carrion, and decaying vegetation.
Margarinotus guttifer is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus lecontei is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus immunis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus thomomysi is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus stygicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus purpurascens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in Europe and Northern Asia, North America, and Southern Asia.
Margarinotus obscurus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in Africa, Europe and Northern Asia, North America, and Southern Asia.
Margarinotus confusus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus ephemeralis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is currently only known from southern California.
Margarinotus faedatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Margarinotus marginicollis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America.
Abraeomorphus formosanus is a species of beetle first described by S. Hisamatsu in 1965. It is endemic to Taiwan. No subspecies are listed in Catalogue of Life.
Atholus coelestis, is a species of clown beetle found in Indo-Pacific regional countries such as Tajikistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indochina, Java, Philippines, Indonesia, Celebes and Comores.
Hister javanicus, is a species of clown beetle found in many Oriental countries including, Taiwan, Java, eastern India, Sri Lanka, and introduced to Africa.