Derolathrus cavernicolus
Peck, 2010
Jacobson's beetle
Derolathrus cavernicolus is a small in the Jacobsoniidae, first described from continental North America in 2010. The is cavernicolous, inhabiting caves and forested in Florida and the Caribbean. It represents the first record of the family Jacobsoniidae for North America. Some may have been introduced through horticultural trade.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Derolathrus cavernicolus: /ˌdɛrəˈlæθrəs kæˌvərnɪˈkoʊləs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other New World Derolathrus by characters detailed in Peck (2010). A key to the three known New World species of Derolathrus is provided in the original description. The species is cavernicolous, which may aid in field identification.
Habitat
Caves and forested . The is cavernicolous (cave-dwelling) in Florida. Also found in forested environments on Barbados and tentatively in Hawaii.
Distribution
USA (Florida, Alabama, Hawaiian Islands), Barbados, Japan (Shikoku), Ryukyu Islands (Iriomote). Records from the Hawaiian Islands and some Caribbean may represent accidental introductions.
Human Relevance
Some may represent accidental introductions through the movement of horticultural materials. The has potential for further spread via commercial plant trade.
Similar Taxa
- Derolathrus atomusAlso occurs in Hawaii and the Caribbean; distinguished by morphological characters in Peck (2010)
- Derolathrus sharpiOccurs in the Lesser Antilles; distinguished by morphological characters in Peck (2010)
More Details
Taxonomic significance
First in the Jacobsoniidae described from continental North America, representing a new family record for the region
Introduction risk
More introductions can be expected through continued horticultural trade