Aploderus

Stephens, 1833

Aploderus is a of () in the Oxytelinae. First described by in 1833, it comprises small with reduced (microphthalmous) in several . The genus is distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia including Turkey and China. Several species have been described from subterranean or soil-associated .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aploderus: //æp.loʊˈdɪr.əs//

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Identification

Members of Aploderus can be distinguished from related oxyteline by a combination of morphological characters including reduced size in some . The genus includes both normally sighted and microphthalmous species. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of male ; a to Western Palaearctic species is available in taxonomic literature.

Distribution

Europe (including Denmark, Norway, Sweden); North America; Turkey; China (Sichuan).

Behavior

Some are microphthalmous (reduced ), suggesting to subterranean or soil-dwelling habits.

Similar Taxa

BlediusBoth are in the Oxytelinae and share general body form, but Bledius typically have well-developed and are often associated with coastal .
OxytelusAnother oxyteline with superficially similar ; Aploderus is distinguished by specific character states in the and other male genitalic structures.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was established by in 1833. Recent taxonomic work has expanded the known fauna, particularly in Turkey where two new were described in 2007.

Species diversity

Known include A. caelatus, A. caesus, A. disparatus, A. szechuanensis, A. zhouae, A. magniceps, A. capitulatus, A. schweigeri, and A. endogaeus.