Pelonomus
Erichson, 1847
long-toed water beetles
Pelonomus is a of in the , first described by Erichson in 1847. The genus contains approximately five described distributed primarily in the Americas. These are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic . Members of this genus are characterized by elongated adapted for clinging to submerged substrates.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pelonomus: //peˈloʊ.nə.məs//
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Identification
Pelonomus can be distinguished from other by their elongated with long, slender — for gripping in flowing water. The genus is characterized by a somewhat elongate body form and that are relatively short compared to body length. Species-level identification within Pelonomus requires examination of male and subtle differences in elytral and coloration.
Images
Habitat
Associated with freshwater , particularly streams and rivers. are typically found on submerged rocks, wood, or other debris in running water.
Distribution
Recorded from South America (Colombia: Amazonas, Antioquia, Boyacá departments) and North America (based on descriptions from the United States).
Similar Taxa
- Other Dryopidae generaPelonomus differs from related such as Dryops and Helichus by having more elongate with proportionally longer , and generally more slender body proportions.
More Details
Species diversity
The contains five described : P. griseus, P. impressiventris, P. obscurus, P. palpalis, and P. picipes. P. picipes, described by Olivier in 1791, is the oldest described species in the genus.
Taxonomic history
The was established by Wilhelm Ferdinand Erichson in 1847. The , to which Pelonomus belongs, is part of the superfamily Dryopoidea within the infraorder Elateriformia.