Spiny-legged Rove Beetles
Oxytelinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
- Family: Staphylinidae
- Subfamily: Oxytelinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oxytelinae: /ˌɒksɪˈtɛlɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Oxytelinae is a diverse subfamily of rove beetles, with over 320 described species, characterized by their spiny legs and predatory habits. They contribute significantly to their ecosystems and are found in various habitats worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
Members of the Oxytelinae subfamily are characterized by their spiny legs, which distinguish them from other rove beetles. They typically have elongated bodies with a hard exoskeleton, and the coloration may vary widely among species.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive spiny legs and elongated bodies. Many species can be identified by their specific body shapes, colors, and patterns, which can vary significantly even within the same genus.
Habitat
Oxytelinae beetles are typically found in a variety of terrestrial habitats, often thriving in moist environments such as leaf litter, decaying wood, and under stones or bark.
Distribution
This subfamily has a wide distribution, found across various ecosystems globally, but species richness may vary by region.
Diet
Oxytelinae beetles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, including other insects, which they may hunt or scavenge.
Life Cycle
Like other beetles, Oxytelinae undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Reproduction
Reproductive strategies vary, but many Oxytelinae beetles lay their eggs in environments that provide food for the larvae upon hatching.
Predators
Typical predators may include larger insects and some vertebrates, but specific predation pressures on Oxytelinae have not been extensively documented.
Ecosystem Role
Oxytelinae species play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of pest insects and scavengers in decomposing environments, contributing to the nutrient cycle.
Economic Impact
Generally, Oxytelinae are not known to have a significant economic impact, although their role in controlling pest populations can be beneficial in agricultural environments.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting from leaf litter and decaying organic matter
- Using pitfall traps to capture specimens in their natural environment
Preservation Methods
- Drying specimens for storage
- Freezing specimens to kill and preserve them before mounting
Evolution
The subfamily Oxytelinae is part of the larger Staphylinidae family, which exhibits diverse evolutionary adaptations, indicating a long history of ecological specialization.
Similar Taxa
- Staphylinidae
- Aleocharinae
- Philonthinae
Misconceptions
There may be confusion between Oxytelinae and other types of rove beetles due to their similar appearance, but the spiny legs are a key identification feature.
Tags
- Oxytelinae
- Rove beetles
- Insect
- Entomology
- Biodiversity