Helophorus linearis

Is there any way

to reliably distinguish this species from H. lineatus? Both are on record here in ND, but based on the images for both species here, and the keys that I have, I don't see any difference!

… Guy A. Hanley, 6 August, 2014 - 1:18pm

Maxillary palps

It's whether the apical segment is "short" or "elongate". H. orientalis is also very similar and occurs in ND. The species are not easy to tell apart sometimes. Check Smetana's revision (1) for more exhaustive treatment of the species. I have a copy if you would like one.

… Brad Barnd, 7 August, 2014 - 12:43am

Yes

We are going to need to get that pub, we have been collecting the state quite heavily this summer, and have lots of material to identify..

… Guy A. Hanley, 7 August, 2014 - 8:43am

Sent you an email

Let me know if you don't get it.

… Brad Barnd, 7 August, 2014 - 1:28pm

Helophorus

I collected several specimens of Helophorus from Spruce Woods Provincial Park in southern Manitoba, but with 17 species recorded for the province, identifying these to species level sounds like quite a challenge, even with a copy of Smetana's revision. This genus sure has interesting sculpture on the pronotum and elytra. I plan to send in some photos.

… Robert E. Wrigley, 24 November, 2014 - 11:45pm