Paradilacra densissima
(Bernhauer, 1909)
Paradilacra densissima is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) originally described as Atheta densissima by Bernhauer in 1909. It is a member of the tribe Tachyusini, a group of small to minute aleocharines often associated with riparian and wetland . The has been recorded across western and central North America, with specimens documented from Canadian provinces and several western U.S. states. Like other members of its tribe, it likely inhabits moist microhabitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paradilacra densissima: //ˌpær.əˈdaɪ.lə.krə dɛnˈsɪs.ɪ.mə//
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Identification
As a member of Tachyusini, Paradilacra densissima is likely a small-bodied aleocharine with reduced or abbreviated typical of the . Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological features; external characteristics alone are insufficient to distinguish it from and related tachyusine . The specific epithet "densissima" (Latin: very dense) may refer to dense or punctation, but this interpretation is speculative without original description access.
Distribution
Recorded from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan) and the United States (California, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah). The transcontinental distribution pattern suggests broad ecological or cryptic complexity, as is common in poorly studied aleocharine lineages.
Similar Taxa
- Paradilacra speciesCongeneric share the same -level diagnostic features and require dissection for reliable separation; the genus Paradilacra contains multiple North American species with overlapping distributions.
- Tachyusini tribe membersOther in Tachyusini (e.g., Tachyusa, Brachyusa) exhibit convergent external and similar size, necessitating examination of and other internal structures for identification.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Transferred from Atheta to Paradilacra; the current generic placement reflects ongoing revisions in the hyperdiverse Aleocharinae.
Data deficiency
Zero iNaturalist observations and minimal specimen records in aggregated databases indicate this is rarely encountered or underreported, possibly due to small size and specificity rather than true rarity.