Tanysphyrus
Tanysphyrus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Curculionoidea
- Family: Brachyceridae
- Subfamily: Erirhininae
- Genus: Tanysphyrus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tanysphyrus: //ˈtænɪˌsfaɪrəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Tanysphyrus is a genus of beetles in the family Brachyceridae, known for their association with duckweed and their unique morphological characteristics. They are distributed primarily in the eastern United States and Canada.
Physical Characteristics
Beetles of the genus Tanysphyrus are characterized by a 'stretched ankle' morphology, which reflects their Greek name.
Identification Tips
Look for small beetles associated with duckweed (Lemna) and observe their specific body shape.
Habitat
Tanysphyrus beetles inhabit areas where duckweed is present, typically in freshwater environments.
Distribution
The distribution includes the eastern United States, across Canada to British Columbia, and extending south to Utah.
Diet
They are leaf miners, primarily feeding on duckweed.
Life Cycle
Life cycle details are specific to species but generally involve complete metamorphosis typical of beetles.
Ecosystem Role
As leaf miners, they play a role in the aquatic ecosystem by influencing duckweed populations.
Evolution
The genus Tanysphyrus has evolved traits suited to aquatic habitats and feeding on specific plants like duckweed.
Misconceptions
There are no common misconceptions documented for this genus; they are often confused with other aquatic beetles due to their habitat.
Tags
- beetle
- Tanysphyrus
- Brachyceridae
- leaf miner
- aquatic insect