Troglomethes
Wittmer, 1970
false soldier beetles
Species Guides
2- Troglomethes leechi(false soldier beetle)
- Troglomethes oregonensis
Troglomethes is a of false soldier beetles in the Omethidae, established by Wittmer in 1970. The genus contains at least two described : Troglomethes leechi and Troglomethes oregonensis, both described in the same year. Members of this genus are part of a small family of beetles sometimes referred to as false soldier beetles due to their resemblance to the soldier beetles (Cantharidae).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Troglomethes: //ˈtrɒɡloʊˌmiːθiːz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Troglomethes can be distinguished from true soldier beetles (Cantharidae) by their placement in the Omethidae. The name 'Troglomethes' suggests a possible association with cave or dark ('trogl-' prefix), though this has not been explicitly documented in available sources. Specific diagnostic features for the genus are not well documented in accessible literature.
Images
Distribution
The two described suggest a western North American distribution: Troglomethes leechi and Troglomethes oregonensis were both described in 1970, with the specific epithet 'oregonensis' indicating a type locality in Oregon.
Similar Taxa
- Cantharidae (soldier beetles)Troglomethes and other Omethidae are commonly called 'false soldier beetles' due to morphological resemblance to the true soldier beetles in Cantharidae.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Wittmer in 1970, with both known described in the same publication. The Omethidae is a small group of beetles whose classification has been historically unstable, sometimes treated as a of Cantharidae.
Etymology
The name combines 'troglo-' (Greek for cave or hole) with '-methes', possibly alluding to a preference, though this remains speculative without explicit documentation from the original description.