Metrius

Eschscholtz, 1829

Species Guides

Metrius contractus(Contracted Bombing Beetle)

Metrius is a of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising two described : Metrius contractus and Metrius explodens. The genus is notable for exhibiting exceptional to hydrogen cyanide, a trait shared with the - genus Promecognathus. Unlike Promecognathus, however, there is no documented evidence of millipede in Metrius, and the ecological basis for this cyanide tolerance remains unexplained.

Metrius contractus by (c) Koji Shiraiwa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Koji Shiraiwa. Used under a CC-BY license.

Metrius contractus by David R. Maddison. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Paratrechina parvula casent0103333 label 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Metrius: //ˈmɛtri.əs//

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Images

Human Relevance

The exceptional cyanide observed in Metrius contractus has potential biomedical significance. Research into the underlying biochemical mechanisms could inform treatments for cyanide poisoning in humans, though the specific detoxification remains unidentified.

Similar Taxa

PromecognathusBoth exhibit exceptional to hydrogen cyanide vapor at levels 7–15 times greater than doses that incapacitate other carabid beetles. Promecognathus are documented , whereas Metrius shows no evidence of millipede despite sharing this physiological trait.