Small Carrion Beetles
Cholevinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
- Family: Leiodidae
- Subfamily: Cholevinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cholevinae: /kɒˈlɛ.vɪ.iː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Cholevinae, or small carrion beetles, are a diverse subfamily of beetles known for their ecological importance in decomposition processes. They are found in a variety of habitats and exhibit a range of species diversity.
Physical Characteristics
Small size, ranging from 0.8 to 9 mm in length.
Identification Tips
Identified by their small size and habitat preferences, often found in leaf litter or carrion.
Habitat
Commonly found in leaf litter, mammal, bird, and tortoise nests, burrows, carrion, and caves.
Distribution
Worldwide, with significant diversity in various habitats.
Diet
Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying organic matter, including carrion.
Life Cycle
Incomplete metamorphosis, involving egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Reproduction
Reproductive strategies include laying eggs in suitable organic matter for larvae to feed and develop.
Ecosystem Role
Play a vital role in decomposition by breaking down organic matter.
Collecting Methods
- Pitfall traps
- Hand collecting
- Berlese funnel extraction
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Dry preservation using silica gel
- Specimen mounting on pins
Evolution
Part of the evolutionary lineage of beetles within the Staphylinoidea superfamily.
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for rove beetles due to their similar size and habitat preferences.
Tags
- beetles
- decomposition
- carrion
- entomology
- ecology