Apteroloma caraboides
(Fall, 1907)
Apteroloma caraboides is a of in the , described by Fall in 1907. It belongs to a small group of considered 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 by the -level characteristic of reduced or absent ( condition), reflected in the genus name Apteroloma. The specific epithet caraboides refers to a -like (-like) body form. Separation from congeneric requires examination of male 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 , likely contributes to decomposition through association with carrion resources.
Similar Taxa
- Pteroloma spp.Congeneric members of with which Apteroloma shares the Pterolomatinae; Pteroloma retain fully developed and are generally more widespread.
- Silphidae and are closely related and share carrion-associated ; Agyrtidae are distinguished by their more flattened body form and different antennal structure.