Ardistomina
Putzeys, 1867
Genus Guides
3Ardistomina is a subtribe of ground beetles (Carabidae: Clivinini) containing three in North America: Aspidoglossa, Semiardistomis, and Ardistomis. Five occur north of Mexico. Larval has been described based on first-instar Semiardistomis viridis, representing the first larval character states documented for the subtribe. The subtribe was historically confused with related , necessitating taxonomic revisions to clarify generic boundaries.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ardistomina: /ɑrˌdɪstoʊˈmaɪnə/
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Identification
can be distinguished from other Clivinini by subtribe-level morphological features detailed in -level keys. The three constituent (Aspidoglossa, Semiardistomis, Ardistomis) are differentiated by characters of the , pronotum, and . Larvae exhibit character states unique to the subtribe, including features of the head capsule and mouthparts.
Images
Habitat
Specific requirements vary by ; North American species occupy distinct ecological conditions that have been documented in taxonomic reviews.
Distribution
North America north of Mexico contains five across the three . Historical records of Ardistomis morio in this region were erroneous; that species belongs to genus Clivina and was likely collected in the Neotropical Region.
Life Cycle
First-instar larvae possess diagnostic character states for the subtribe, described from Semiardistomis viridis. Complete details for most remain undocumented.
Human Relevance
Taxonomic confusion in this group has required revision to correct misidentifications and erroneous distribution records, particularly regarding Ardistomis morio.
Similar Taxa
- ClivinaArdistomis morio was transferred back to Clivina after evidence showed it does not belong to Ardistomina; subtribes share tribe Clivinini but differ in subtribe-level characters
- Other Clivinini subtribesArdistomina is distinguished within tribe Clivinini by larval and morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys
Misconceptions
Ardistomis morio was long considered a North American member of Ardistomina; revision established it belongs to Clivina and was likely collected in the Neotropical Region, not the Nearctic.
More Details
Taxonomic revision history
The subtribe underwent significant revision in 2006, including the first description of larval character states and the transfer of Ardistomis morio to Clivina based on examination.
Larval morphology
First-instar Semiardistomis viridis provided the basis for describing larval character states of Ardistomina, representing the first such documentation for the subtribe.