Xenistusa

LeConte, J. L., 1880

Xenistusa is a of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Trichopseniini, Aleocharinae. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. Members of this genus are small, myrmecophilous beetles associated with colonies. Like other trichopseniines, they exhibit morphological adaptations for life within ant nests.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xenistusa: //zɛˈnɪstʊsə//

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Habitat

Colonies of ants (Formicidae); myrmecophilous.

Distribution

North America.

Host Associations

  • Formicidae - myrmecophilyLives within colonies

Behavior

Myrmecophilous; lives in association with colonies. Specific behavioral details are not well documented.

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Xenistusa belongs to the tribe Trichopseniini, a group of aleocharine rove beetles characterized by myrmecophily and morphological specializations for life with ants.

Sources and further reading