Habrocerus capillaricornis

(Gravenhorst, 1806)

Vermiculated Rove Beetle

Habrocerus capillaricornis is a small rove beetle in the Habrocerinae, characterized by distinctive thread-like (capillate) that give the its name. It is native to the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America, South America, South Africa, and New Zealand. The species is one of the most frequently observed members of its , with records spanning Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Atlantic islands.

Habrocerus capillaricornis by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Habrocerus capillaricornis by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Habrocerus capillaricornis by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Habrocerus capillaricornis: /hæbroʊˈsɛrəs kæˌpɪlɛraɪˈkɔrnɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Habrocerus by its capillate (hair-like) ; the specific epithet 'capillaricornis' refers to this thread-like antennal structure. The Habrocerinae is morphologically distinct within Staphylinidae, though detailed species-level diagnostic features require examination of genitalia and microsculpture. The vermiculated (worm-like) pattern referenced in the may refer to body surface sculpturing.

Images

Distribution

Native to Europe, Russia (European part), Turkey, Cyprus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Canary Islands, Azores (Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Terceira), and Madeira. Introduced to Canada (British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec), USA (California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Wisconsin), Colombia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Chile.

Human Relevance

Introduced in North America and elsewhere suggest human-mediated , likely through commerce or transport of goods. Not known to be of economic importance.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Habrocerus speciesHabrocerus capillaricornis is distinguished by its capillate ; lack this distinctive antennal form or differ in antennal structure.

More Details

Taxonomic note

Originally described as Tachyporus capillaricornis by Gravenhorst in 1806, later transferred to Habrocerus. The Habrocerus belongs to the small Habrocerinae, one of the more basal lineages within Staphylinidae.

Sources and further reading