Holobus

Solier, 1849

Holobus is a of rove beetles in the Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, established by Solier in 1849. Members of this genus are acarivorous, feeding on spider mites. At least two , H. kashmiricus beneficus and H. yasumatsui, have been studied as prospective agents of spider mites. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, southern Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Holobus: /ˈhɔl.o.bus/

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Identification

Diagnostic characters include the shapes of antennal segment VII and abdominal segment VIII, which have been used to distinguish within the . Previously used characters showed intraspecific variation, necessitating revised identification criteria.

Distribution

Europe; southern Africa; the Americas; Japan (Ryukyu Archipelago); Taiwan. Distribution varies by : H. kashmiricus beneficus occurs in the Ryukyu Archipelago but not Taiwan, while H. yasumatsui is restricted to Taiwan.

Diet

Acarivorous: feeds on spider mites ( Tetranychidae). H. kashmiricus beneficus has a broad prey range and co-occurs with more than six spider mite .

Host Associations

Ecological Role

Prospective natural enemy and agent of spider mites (Tetranychidae).

Human Relevance

Studied for potential use in of spider mite pests.

Sources and further reading