Lathropus

The combination of minute size (<2mm), flattened body form, short clubbed antennae, closed mesocoxal cavities, and bifurcate dorsal setae distinguishes Lathropus from other laemophloeid genera. The extremely dense surface sculpture provides additional diagnostic characters. Identification to species level requires examination of subtle morphological differences and is best accomplished through reference to recent taxonomic revisions.

Minute beetles less than 2mm in length with distinctly flattened bodies. Antennae are short and clubbed. The body surface exhibits extremely dense sculpture. Dorsal pubescence consists of bifurcate (forked) setae, a distinctive feature of the genus. Mesocoxal cavities are closed.

Associated with dead trees and decaying wood. Inhabits forested environments where dead woody material accumulates. Specific microhabitat requirements vary by species but generally involve fungal-colonized dead wood substrates.

Predominantly New World distribution. Species occur in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (including Jamaica). The genus is represented in Europe by a single species, Lathropus sepicola. Exact ranges for individual species are incompletely documented.

Adults and larvae feed on fungi. Specifically associated with fungal growth on dead wood substrates.

• dead trees - habitatAdults and larvae inhabit dead wood
• fungi - foodFeed on fungi growing on dead wood

Development occurs in association with dead wood and fungal substrates. Larvae and adults share the same habitat and food source. Specific details of developmental stages and duration are not well documented.

Contributes to decomposition of dead wood and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems through fungivory. Part of the community of organisms that break down dead plant material and facilitate fungal dispersal.

No documented economic or medical significance. The genus is primarily of interest to taxonomists and coleopterists studying minute beetle diversity. Recent taxonomic study has clarified species boundaries and geographic distributions.

• other Laemophloeidae generaLathropus can be distinguished by the combination of bifurcate dorsal setae, closed mesocoxal cavities, and extremely dense surface sculpture; many related genera lack bifurcate setae or have open mesocoxal cavities

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life