Rhadine caudata

(LeConte, 1863)

Rhadine caudata is a (flightless) in the . It was first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863 as Platynus caudatus and later transferred to Rhadine. The is considered globally Vulnerable by NatureServe, Imperiled in Alabama, and Vulnerable in Virginia. It is widely distributed across the eastern United States but is rare throughout its range, with low capability.

Ground beetle 26 May 2019 by Pixabay.com. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhadine caudata: /ˈreɪdaɪn ˈkɔːdəˌtɑː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

condition (flightless) distinguishes R. caudata from most other eastern . Within the Rhadine, most are subterranean of the southwestern United States; R. caudata is one of the few eastern species and differs in its broader surface and subsurface use.

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Habitat

Forest ; occurs in only two of five forest in a North Carolina study. Occupies both surface and subsurface (cave/groundwater) environments.

Distribution

Eastern United States from Texas to the Atlantic coast, north to Wisconsin. Documented from Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Known to be abundant only at Cumberland Caverns and McElroy Cave in Tennessee.

Behavior

Low rate due to flightlessness. Capable of utilizing both surface forest and subsurface cave environments.

Ecological Role

May serve as a indicator for forest and cave health. Study of this and may reveal information about the evolution of subterranean life and regressive evolution.

Human Relevance

concern due to specialization and rarity. Listed as globally Vulnerable by NatureServe. Subject of ecological research regarding cave dynamics and subterranean .

Similar Taxa

Rhadine exilisBoth are cavedwelling Rhadine , but R. exilis is restricted to central Texas caves and is federally endangered, whereas R. caudata has a much broader eastern distribution
Rhadine infernalisBoth are cavedwelling Rhadine , but R. infernalis is restricted to central Texas caves and is federally endangered, whereas R. caudata has a much broader eastern distribution
Other Rhadine speciesMost Rhadine are subterranean of the southwestern United States; R. caudata is distinguished by its eastern distribution and use of both surface and subsurface

More Details

Conservation Status

NatureServe ranks: Global - Vulnerable (G3); Alabama - Imperiled (S2); Virginia - Vulnerable (S3). Not federally listed under the U.S. , unlike R. exilis and R. infernalis.

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Platynus caudatus by LeConte in 1863; later transferred to Rhadine.

Research Significance

Studying R. caudata and other Rhadine may provide insights into the evolution of subterranean life, regressive evolution, and the use of as indicators.