Arixeniina

Definition

A former suborder of earwigs (Dermaptera), now taxonomically reduced in rank to family status as Arixeniidae and placed within the suborder Neodermaptera. Members are viviparous, ectoparasitic earwigs that inhabit the pelage of bats in Southeast Asia, representing a highly derived and specialized lineage within the order.

Etymology

Example

The former suborder Arixeniina, containing the genera Arixenia and Xeniaria, was reclassified as the family Arixeniidae following phylogenetic studies that demonstrated its nested position within Neodermaptera rather than representing a separate major earwig lineage.

Synonyms

• Arixeniidae (current family rank)

Related Terms

• Neodermaptera
• Dermaptera
• Arixeniidae
• epizoic
• viviparity
• parasitic earwig

Usage Notes

Historical term; modern literature uses Arixeniidae at family rank. The reclassification reflects improved understanding of earwig phylogeny rather than discovery of new characters. Specialist literature discussing pre-2000s earwig systematics may still reference Arixeniina as a suborder.