Platandria carolinae

Definitive identification of P. carolinae requires examination of male genitalia, specifically the median lobe of the aedeagus and associated sclerites, which are diagnostic within the genus. External morphology alone cannot reliably separate it from congeners, particularly P. livida and P. brunnicornis. The species name "carolinae" reflects the type locality in North Carolina, not a distribution restricted to that state. Specimens should be compared with type material or authoritative redescriptions.

A small aleocharine rove beetle with the characteristic abbreviated elytra exposing most of the abdominal tergites. Members of Platandria possess a compact, somewhat oval body shape compared to the more elongate form typical of many staphylinids. The antennae are relatively short to moderately long. Coloration and specific body proportions for P. carolinae require direct specimen examination.

Eastern and central North America: Canada (Ontario); United States (Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia). The species shows a broad latitudinal range from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes region.

• Platandria lividaOverlapping distribution in eastern North America; external morphology similar, requiring genital examination for separation.
• Platandria brunnicornisAnother eastern North American congener with comparable body form; distinguished by subtle differences in aedeagal structure.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life