Metaxyphloeus

Distinguished from other laemophloeid genera by the combination of: prolonged rostrate head; six-antennomere antennal club; open procoxal cavities; acuminate intercoxal process on the first visible abdominal ventrite; and male genitalia lacking the dorsal piece of the tegmen. Most similar to the related rostrate genera Rhinomalus and Rhinophloeus, from which it differs by the specific configuration of these characters. The presence of one or two pairs of pale elytral maculae on a dark background aids field recognition in many specimens.

Adults are moderate-sized laemophloeids approximately 2 mm in length. They possess prolonged heads (rostra), a defining feature of this genus. The procoxal cavities are open. The first visible abdominal ventrite bears an acuminate intercoxal process. The antennal club consists of six antennomeres. Coloration is typically dark brown to black, with or without dorsal pubescence. Many specimens display one or two pairs of pale elytral maculae. Male genitalia lack a dorsal piece of the tegmen.

Forest habitats, based on adult collection records. Specific microhabitat preferences are unknown.

New World, ranging from southern Texas south to Bolivia. Endemic to the Americas.

Immature stages unknown. Developmental biology undescribed.

Adults are occasionally attracted to light. The function of the rostrum remains unknown.

No known economic or medical significance. Occasionally encountered by entomologists through light trapping in forest habitats.

• RhinomalusRelated rostrate laemophloeid genus; shares prolonged head morphology but differs in specific structural characters of the procoxal cavities, antennal club, and male genitalia
• RhinophloeusRelated rostrate laemophloeid genus; similar overall body plan but distinguished by differences in antennal club composition, ventral processes, and genitalic structure

• rostrate
• laemophloeid
• new world endemic
• forest
• light-attracted

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon