Arrhenopeplus tesserula

Distinguished from other Micropeplinae by the characteristic tesselated elytral pattern; most similar species in the genus Arrhenopeplus and related genera (e.g., Micropeplus) lack this distinct checkerboard markings or show different antennal segmentation. Examination of genitalia may be required for definitive identification in some cases. The combination of small size (<2 mm), 9-segmented antennae, and patterned elytra separates it from most other Staphylinidae.

Holarctic: Europe (widespread including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland), Russia (Central, North, South, East, West, Far East), Turkey, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia; North America including Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan) and USA (Alaska, California, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington); also recorded from Mexico and Panama. Fossil records from Pliocene deposits in Northwest Territories, Canada and Alaska, USA indicate long-term presence in northern regions.

• Micropeplus speciesOther members of Micropeplinae share compact body form and small size but lack the distinctive tesselated elytral pattern; most have more uniformly colored or differently patterned elytra.
• Arrhenopeplus other speciesCongeners may be sympatric in parts of the range; distinguished primarily by elytral pattern and subtle differences in antennal structure.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy