Rhymbomicrus
Casey, 1916
Rhymbomicrus is a of small in the Anamorphidae, established by Casey in 1916. The genus contains four described distributed in North America. Members of this genus are part of the diverse cucujiform beetle , though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhymbomicrus: //raɪmboʊˈmaɪkrəs//
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Identification
Rhymbomicrus can be distinguished from other Anamorphidae by the characteristic rhombic (diamond-shaped) form of the body, reflected in the genus name. The species R. lobatus and R. hemisphaericus were originally described in other genera (Lobophorus and Anamorphus respectively) before being transferred to Rhymbomicrus. Specific diagnostic features for species-level identification require examination of male and subtle body proportions.
Distribution
North America. Known from the United States based on localities of constituent : R. lobatus from the eastern U.S. (originally described from Pennsylvania), R. hemisphaericus from Mexico and the southwestern U.S., and R. caseyi and R. stephani from undetermined localities.
Similar Taxa
- AnamorphusHistorical confusion with Rhymbomicrus; R. hemisphaericus was originally described in Anamorphus. Anamorphus generally have more elongate body forms compared to the rhombic shape of Rhymbomicrus.
- LobophorusR. lobatus was originally described in this . Lobophorus are distinguished by different pronotal and elytral configurations.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was established by Thomas L. Casey in 1916. Two were transferred into Rhymbomicrus by Pakaluk in 1987, reflecting improved understanding of anamorphid relationships. The Anamorphidae was formerly treated as a of but is now recognized as a distinct family within Coccinelloidea.