Aleochara lucifuga
(Casey, 1893)
Aleochara lucifuga is a small rove beetle in the Aleocharinae, characterized by the abbreviated typical of Staphylinidae. The was described by Casey in 1893 and is documented from multiple eastern and central U.S. states. It belongs to a large of predatory rove beetles, though specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aleochara lucifuga: //ˌæl.iˈɒk.ə.rə ˌluːˈsɪ.fjuː.ɡə//
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Identification
Members of Aleochara are small rove beetles with short exposing most of the flexible . Specific diagnostic features for A. lucifuga relative to are not well established in available literature; identification to level likely requires examination of male genitalia or other subtle morphological characters. The can be distinguished from other aleocharine genera by a combination of antennal structure, tarsal formula, and presence of a well-developed ligula.
Distribution
Recorded from Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Ecological Role
As a member of Aleochara, likely functions as a of small in soil and leaf litter , though this ecological role has not been specifically documented for A. lucifuga.
Similar Taxa
- Aleochara spp. share the general body plan and preferences; differentiation requires detailed morphological examination.