Tectosternum naviculare
(Zimmermann, 1869)
Tectosternum naviculare is a small water scavenger beetle in the Hydrophilidae, Sphaeridiinae. The is native to eastern North America with records spanning from Canada to the southeastern United States. It has also been recorded from several African countries, though these may represent introductions. The species inhabits moist, decaying organic matter and is associated with or compost typical of sphaeriine hydrophilids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tectosternum naviculare: /tɛktoˈstɛrnʊm nævɪˈkjʊlɛrɛ/
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Habitat
Moist, decaying organic matter including , compost, and other decomposing substrates. As a member of Sphaeridiinae, it is primarily terrestrial or found in very wet organic material rather than truly aquatic .
Distribution
Native to eastern North America: Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and USA (Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia). Also recorded from Burundi/Rwanda, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), possibly introduced.
Ecological Role
Decomposer in decaying organic matter; contributes to nutrient cycling in and compost .
Similar Taxa
- TectosternumOther in the Tectosternum are morphologically similar and require careful examination for definitive identification; T. naviculare is distinguished by its specific elytral and genitalic characteristics.