Agathidium Explained

Agathidium is a genus of beetles in the family Leiodidae.

A. bushi, A. cheneyi and A. rumsfeldi are species of this genus named after George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, respectively, by two former Cornell entomologists, Kelly B. Miller (now at the University of New Mexico)[1] and Quentin D. Wheeler. According to Miller and Wheeler, the naming of the beetles (which were three of 65 species to be named) was done in homage to the political figures.[2] The same authors named A. vaderi after the fictional Darth Vader.

Some species can roll themselves up into an almost complete sphere, similar to pillbugs. Some males have horns on their left mandibles to dislodge rival males.[3]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kelly B. Miller Lab: Arthropod Systematics & Evolution. 2021-10-13. kellymillerlab.com.
  2. Web site: Slime-mold beetles named for Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld -- but strictly in homage. 2021-10-11. Cornell Chronicle. en.
  3. Atlantic Canada Coleoptera: Agathidium Panzer 1797 and Gelae Miller and Wheeler 2004 (with pictures)