Dendrometrini
Gistel, 1848
Tribe Guides
3Dendrometrini is a tribe of click beetles (Elateridae) established by Gistel in 1848. The tribe encompasses several formerly independent higher-rank groups—Athoinae, Denticollinae, and Hemicrepidiini—which have been reclassified as subtribes. This taxonomic consolidation reflects modern phylogenetic understanding of relationships within the Dendrometrinae. Members share the characteristic click mechanism of Elateridae, enabling beetles to right themselves when overturned.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dendrometrini: //dɛnˌdroʊmɛˈtriːnaɪ//
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Identification
Distinguishing Dendrometrini from other elaterid tribes requires examination of internal and external morphological characters, including prosternal process structure, tarsal formula, and antennal . The subtribes within Dendrometrini (Athoini, Denticollini, Hemicrepidiini) may be separated by features such as body form, pronotal shape, and presence or absence of specific setal patterns. Precise identification to subtribe or level typically requires knowledge and dissection.
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Similar Taxa
- ElateriniAnother tribe within Elateridae; differs in subtribal composition and specific prosternal-mesosternal characters.
- AmpediniTribe in Elateridae often confused with Dendrometrini; separation relies on antennal structure and body proportions.
- Agriotes now placed within Dendrometrini (subtribe Denticollini); previously associated with separate tribal or rank.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The classification of Dendrometrini has undergone substantial revision. Groups formerly treated as (Athoinae, Denticollinae) or separate tribes (Hemicrepidiini) are now treated as subtribes within Dendrometrini. This change reflects molecular and morphological phylogenetic studies that demonstrated these groups are nested within a monophyletic Dendrometrini.
Subtribal Composition
Current subtribal classification includes Athoini, Denticollini, and Hemicrepidiini, though the precise circumscription and validity of these subtribes continues to be evaluated in taxonomic literature.