Oxytelus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
Family: Staphylinidae
Subfamily: Oxytelinae
Tribe: Oxytelini
Genus: Oxytelus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oxytelus: /ˌɑk.sɪˈtiː.ləs/

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

Images

Oxytelus laqueatus (29284428188) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 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) (14596195177) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Oxytelus laqueatus (Marsham, 1802) Genital 2 by URSchmidt. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Oxytelus laqueatus (42437342014) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Oxytelus laqueatus (28286371867) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Oxytelus laqueatus (Marsham, 1802) by URSchmidt. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Oxytelus is a diverse genus of spiny-legged rove beetles found throughout North America and globally, known for their ecological role in breaking down organic material and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Physical Characteristics

Spiny-legged rove beetles characterized by a smooth and elongated body, often shiny or metallic in appearance.

Identification Tips

Commonly identified by the distinctive spiny legs and elongated body shape. The color can vary widely from black to brown or reddish hues.

Habitat

Primarily found in habitats rich in organic matter such as dung, decaying plant material, and other areas where decomposing organic matter is present.

Distribution

Widely distributed throughout North America, with a total of around 200 species worldwide.

Diet

Larvae and adults are primarily detritivores, feeding on decomposing organic matter, fungi, and occasionally preying on other small invertebrates.

Life Cycle

The life cycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae develop in areas rich in decaying matter.

Reproduction

Reproduction generally involves laying eggs in suitable habitats where larvae can thrive, often in decaying organic material.

Ecosystem Role

Play an important role in the decomposition process, contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Part of the Staphylinidae family, which is one of the largest families of beetles, known for their diverse adaptations and wide distribution.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some people may confuse Oxytelus with other beetles due to their similar appearance and habitat, not understanding their ecological role in decomposition.