Myrmetini

Portevin, 1929

Genus Guides

Gnathoncus(clown beetles)

Myrmetini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) within the Saprininae, established by Portevin in 1929. The tribe is currently treated as a synonym in modern classifications, with its constituent generally reassigned to other tribes, particularly Saprinini. Members of this group were historically associated with colonies (myrmecophily), a trait reflected in the tribe's name derived from Greek 'myrmex' (ant). The taxonomic status reflects ongoing revisionary work in Histeridae .

Gnathoncus rotundatus Jacobson by Georgiy Jacobson. Used under a Public domain license.

Gnathoncus rotundatus (10.3897-zookeys.689.12021) Figures 99–102 by Lackner T, Leschen RAB (2017) A monograph of the Australopacific Saprininae (Coleoptera, Histeridae). ZooKeys 689: 1-263. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.689.12021. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Gnathoncus rotundatus (10.3897-zookeys.689.12021) Figure 90 by Lackner T, Leschen RAB (2017) A monograph of the Australopacific Saprininae (Coleoptera, Histeridae). ZooKeys 689: 1-263. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.689.12021. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myrmetini: /mɪrˈmɛtɪnaɪ/

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Images

Host Associations

Ants - myrmecophilyTribe name and historical placement suggest association with colonies, though specific records are limited due to synonym status

Similar Taxa

SaprininiModern classifications have synonymized Myrmetini with Saprinini; historically separated based on degree of myrmecophilous specialization

More Details

Taxonomic History

Myrmetini was erected by Portevin in 1929 to accommodate myrmecophilous histerid , particularly those with morphological adaptations for life in nests. Subsequent phylogenetic and revisionary studies have not supported its distinction from Saprinini, leading to its widespread treatment as a junior synonym. The type genus and constituent require verification against current generic concepts in Saprininae.