Anthophagini

Anthophagini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthophagini: //ˌænθəˈfædʒɪnaɪ//

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

Images

Acidota crenata by Edmund Reitter . Used under a Public domain license.
The Coleoptera of the British islands. A descriptive account of the families, genera, and species indigenous to Great Britain and Ireland, with notes as to localities, habitats, etc (1888) (14802560193) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.
The Coleoptera of the British islands. A descriptive account of the families, genera, and species indigenous to Great Britain and Ireland, with notes as to localities, habitats, etc (1888) (14780345964) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.
Georgiy Jacobson - Beetles Russia and Western Europe - plate 15 by see in description. Used under a Public domain license.
Rove Beetle - Acidota subcarinata, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Eucnecosum brachypterum? by Sundman. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Anthophagini is a tribe of ocellate rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, consisting of around 20 described species and significant ecological roles in various habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Anthophagini members are typically ocellate rove beetles characterized by their elongated bodies and unique ocelli (simple eyes).

Identification Tips

Look for elongated bodies and the presence of ocelli that differentiate them from other rove beetles. They generally have well-defined elytra.

Habitat

These beetles are often found in leaf litter, under stones, or in decaying organic matter across various ecosystems including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands.

Distribution

Holarctic and Oriental regions; found predominantly in temperate and tropical climates.

Diet

Most species are predatory; they feed on small invertebrates and may also play a role in the decomposition of organic matter.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with larvae being predatory as well.

Reproduction

Reproduction strategies are typical for beetles, involving mating and laying eggs in suitable environments for larval development.

Predators

Natural predators include larger insects and some vertebrates that prey on beetles.

Ecosystem Role

Anthophagini beetles play a critical role in soil aeration and organic matter breakdown, contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection
  • Pitfall traps
  • Sweep netting

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying
  • Pinned specimens

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Anthophagini
  • Ocellate Rove Beetles
  • Staphylinidae
  • Insects
  • Beetles