Zeadolopus

Broun, 1903

Species Guides

1

Zeadolopus is a of small carrion beetles in the Leiodidae, to New Zealand. The genus was established by Thomas Broun in 1903 and comprises several of round fungus beetles. Members of this genus are part of the tribe Leiodini within the Leiodinae. The genus is poorly studied, with limited published information on species-level diversity and natural history.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zeadolopus: /zɛəˈdɒləpəs/

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Identification

Zeadolopus can be distinguished from other New Zealand Leiodidae by their compact, rounded body form and the structure of the , which have a weakly clubbed or gradually thickened terminal segments rather than a strongly club. The is to New Zealand, which separates it from most other Leiodini genera. Species-level identification requires examination of male genitalia and fine details of elytral punctuation.

Distribution

to New Zealand, with records from both the North and South Islands.

Similar Taxa

  • LeiodesAlso in tribe Leiodini, but Leiodes is primarily Holarctic in distribution and has more strongly ; not present in New Zealand.
  • CyrtodactylusAnother New Zealand leiodine , but differs in body shape and antennal structure.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Thomas Broun, the prolific New Zealand coleopterist, described this in 1903 as part of his extensive work documenting the fauna of New Zealand. The genus has received limited taxonomic revision since its original description.

Conservation status

No of Zeadolopus have been formally assessed for conservation status, though the restricted distribution of some species may warrant attention given ongoing modification in New Zealand.

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