Apteroloma caraboides
(Fall, 1907)
Apteroloma caraboides is a of in the Agyrtidae, described by Fall in 1907. It belongs to a small group of beetles considered basal to the staphyliniform lineage. The species is restricted to western North America and is rarely encountered in field collections.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apteroloma caraboides: //ˌæptəˈrɒloʊmə ˌkærəˈbɔɪdiːz//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Agyrtidae by the -level characteristic of reduced or absent wings ( condition), reflected in the genus name Apteroloma. The specific epithet caraboides refers to a ground beetle-like (Carabidae-like) body form. Separation from congeneric requires examination of male genitalia and detailed body proportions; A. caraboides is the only species of the genus recorded from western North America.
Distribution
Western North America: Canada (British Columbia), United States (California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington).
Ecological Role
As a member of the carrion beetle Agyrtidae, likely contributes to decomposition processes through association with carrion resources.
Similar Taxa
- Pteroloma spp.Congeneric members of Agyrtidae with which Apteroloma shares the Pterolomatinae; Pteroloma retain fully developed wings and are generally more widespread.
- Silphidae Agyrtidae and Silphidae are closely related and share carrion-associated ; Agyrtidae are distinguished by their more flattened body form and different antennal structure.