Coccidulini
Mulsant, 1846
Coccidulini is a tribe of () with highest diversity in African, Australian, and Neotropical regions. The group is taxonomically problematic and has been subject to ongoing revision. Some members, such as the African Epipleuria, are wingless with and reduced hind . The tribe was established by Mulsant in 1846.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coccidulini: //kɒk.sɪˈduː.lɪ.naɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Coccidulini are distinguished from related tribes by combinations of genitalic characters. In the Epipleuria: small or indistinct scutellar shield; wide ; modified narrow ; penis broadening toward with hooks or ; with bulbous base and curved apex. Body size ranges 1.3–2.3 mm. Some are wingless with and lack hind .
Images
Distribution
Highest diversity occurs in African, Australian, and Neotropical regions. The Epipleuria is known from the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho.
Behavior
Some members are wingless with along the elytral and lack hind . This flightless condition has been documented in the Epipleuria.
Similar Taxa
- RhyzobiusEpipleuria was previously confused with Rhyzobius but is distinguished by genitalic including penis shape and structure.
More Details
Taxonomic status
Coccidulini is considered a problematic group within , with ongoing revisions clarifying generic boundaries. The African Epipleuria was re-described and validated as distinct from Rhyzobius, with two new described from South Africa and three species transferred to the newly established genus Pseudoepipleuria.