Microcylloepus
Hinton, 1935
Species Guides
3- Microcylloepus formicoideus(Furnace Creek Riffle Beetle)
- Microcylloepus pusillus
- Microcylloepus similis
Microcylloepus is a of riffle beetles ( Elmidae) established by Hinton in 1935. The genus contains approximately nine described distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the United States to Colombia. These beetles are aquatic and inhabit flowing water environments, particularly springs and spring-runs. One species, Microcylloepus pusillus, has been studied in detail at Comal Springs, Texas, where it coexists with the endangered Heterelmis comalensis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microcylloepus: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈsɪloʊ.ə.pəs/
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Habitat
Flowing freshwater , particularly springs and spring-runs. At Comal Springs, Texas, Microcylloepus pusillus occupies spring-runs with relatively uniform physical-chemical conditions, water depth, and current velocity. distribution appears more strongly influenced by substrate size and availability than by current velocity, water depth, or proximity to spring orifices.
Distribution
Americas. Documented from the United States (Texas, California) and widely across Colombia (departments including Amazonas, Antioquia, Bolívar, Boyacá, Caldas, Caquetá, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó, Córdoba, Guaviare, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupés).
Similar Taxa
- Heterelmis comalensisCoexists with Microcylloepus pusillus at Comal Springs, Texas; both are riffle beetles in Elmidae occupying similar spring-run , though H. comalensis is endangered and federally protected.
More Details
Species diversity
Nine described : M. angustus, M. browni, M. formicoideus (furnace creek ), M. inaequalis, M. moapus, M. obesus, M. pusillus, M. similis, and M. thermarum.
Conservation context
Microcylloepus pusillus has been studied as part of conservation efforts for the coexisting Heterelmis comalensis at Comal Springs, one of the largest spring systems in the southwestern United States.