Meridiorhantus
Balke, Hájek & Hendrich, 2017
Species Guides
1Meridiorhantus is a of predaceous diving beetles established in 2017 following the splitting of the genus Rhantus. It comprises five described distributed in the Neotropics and North America. The genus was erected by Balke, Hájek and Hendrich based on phylogenetic analysis that distinguished these species from their former .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Meridiorhantus: //mɛɹɪdioʊˈræntəs//
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Identification
in this were historically classified under Rhantus. Accurate identification to genus requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters that distinguish Meridiorhantus from Rhantus sensu stricto. The 2017 revision provides the definitive diagnostic features separating these .
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Habitat
Aquatic environments including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waters. As diving beetles, members occupy freshwater where they are active swimmers.
Distribution
Neotropics and North America. Specific distribution records include Colombia.
Diet
Predatory, as characteristic of the Dytiscidae. Specific prey items for this have not been documented separately from related .
Behavior
Active swimmers that dive and swim underwater using their modified hind legs. Like other dytiscids, they likely surface periodically to replenish air stores carried beneath the .
Ecological Role
in freshwater , contributing to control of in aquatic .
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Taxonomic history
This was created in 2017 when Balke, Hájek and Hendrich reclassified five previously placed in Rhantus. The type species is Meridiorhantus calidus (Fabricius, 1792). One extinct species, †M. orbignyi, is included.