Oxypoda

Mannerheim, 1830

Oxypoda is a large of (: Aleocharinae) with nearly distribution. The genus contains numerous , many of which are associated with colonies as myrmecophiles. Several species have been studied in detail for their , preferences, and , though much remains unknown for the majority of species.

Oxypoda canadensis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Oxypoda chantali by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Georgiy Jacobson - Beetles Russia and Western Europe - plate 13 by see in description. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oxypoda: /ˌɒksɪˈpoʊdə/

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Images

Habitat

Some occur in open, unshaded . In northwestern Germany, O. brachyptera has been observed in drier, warmer on sandy or calcareous soils, while O. tarda occurs in moister localities on heavier soils; the two are rarely found together. Certain species are myrmecophilous, living in association with nests.

Distribution

Nearly . Documented from Europe (including Sweden, Germany, Turkey), Asia (Lebanon, Israel), and North America (Canada, Alaska). GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Seasonality

In O. brachyptera and O. tarda, are epigeically active from spring through late autumn. Both overwinter in the adult stage.

Host Associations

Formica rufa species group - O. haemorrhoa have been described from this association; larvae are small, mobile ignored by ants
Formica nigricans - O. scanica associated with this
Formica lemani - O. lapponica associated with this

Life Cycle

In O. brachyptera and O. tarda: development occurs without , with in the stage. O. brachyptera appears to be (two per year), while O. tarda has been documented as (one generation per year). Duration of pre-imaginal development and specific timing of adult have been investigated but not specified in available sources.

Behavior

Several exhibit , with (fully winged) distinctly rarer than (short-winged) morphs; this dimorphism is not sex-related. Myrmecophilous species are highly mobile within colonies and, due to their small size, are ignored by ants.

More Details

Taxonomic complexity

The Oxypoda is taxonomically complex with numerous synonymies and groups. A 2005 revision of Canadian and Alaskan species established 14 new species groups, described 6 new species, and synonymized 15 previously described names. The identity of O. brachyptera and O. tarda was historically controversial and frequently confused until clarified through examination.