Tetartopeus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
Family: Staphylinidae
Subfamily: Paederinae
Tribe: Lathrobiini
Subtribe: Lathrobiina
Genus: Tetartopeus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetartopeus: //tɛˌtɑrtoʊˈpiːəs//

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Summary

Tetartopeus is a genus of beetles within the family Staphylinidae, encompassing several species predominantly found in the holarctic region. They are primarily predaceous and contribute to their ecosystems as insectivores and decomposers.

Physical Characteristics

Species of Tetartopeus exhibit the typical morphological features of beetles within the Staphylinidae family, characterized by their elongated bodies and short elytra that leave a significant portion of the abdominal segments exposed.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing species within the Tetartopeus genus can be accomplished through examination of their morphological characteristics such as body size, coloration, and specific form of the genitalia, which may vary significantly among species.

Habitat

Tetartopeus species are typically found in various terrestrial habitats, including forested areas and under decaying organic matter.

Distribution

The genus is primarily holarctic, with a distribution that includes Europe, Japan, and North America.

Diet

Members of Tetartopeus are generally predaceous, feeding on small invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Little is documented about the specific life cycles of most Tetartopeus species, but as with many beetles, they undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Details on reproductive behavior specific to Tetartopeus are limited; however, reproduction in beetles generally involves mating and laying eggs in suitable environments for larval development.

Predators

Predators of Tetartopeus may include larger insectivorous insects and birds that feed on beetles.

Ecosystem Role

Tetartopeus beetles play a significant role in ecosystems as predators of small invertebrates and as decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling.

Collecting Methods

Hand collecting
Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

Alcohol preservation
Pinning
Carded specimens

Evolution

Tetartopeus was formerly treated as a subgenus of Lathrobium, indicating a close evolutionary relationship with lathrobiine beetles.