Cyrtinus beckeri
Howden, 1960
Cyrtinus beckeri is a minute in the Lamiinae, described by Howden in 1960. It is known from the United States, where it has been documented feeding on Bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum). Like other members of the Cyrtinus, it is among the smallest , exhibiting -mimicking characteristics.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtinus beckeri: /sɜrˈtaɪnəs ˈbɛkəri/
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Identification
Members of the Cyrtinus are distinguished by their extremely small size (typically 2–3 mm), -like form with humped bearing two prominent humps near their bases, and slow, clumsy movement unlike the rapid, frenetic running of most other ant-mimicking . The elytral humps create the illusion of a narrow-waisted ant. Specific diagnostic features for C. beckeri relative to are not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
United States. GBIF records indicate presence in Mexico and the United States, though specific details beyond national level are not available.
Diet
Feeds on Bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum).
Host Associations
- Acer grandidentatum - food sourceBigtooth maple
Similar Taxa
- Cyrtinus pygmaeus with similar minute size, -mimicking with elytral humps, and association with dead wood; C. pygmaeus is widespread in eastern North America and has been reared from various hardwoods including oak and birch, while C. beckeri is known from Bigtooth maple in the United States.
- Other Cyrtinus speciesMembers of this share the characteristic -mimicking form with humped and minute size; distinguishing among requires examination of specific morphological details not covered in available sources.