Piestus extimus
Sharp, 1887
Piestus extimus is a of flat rove beetle in the Staphylinidae, described by Sharp in 1887. It belongs to the Piestinae, a group characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened body form. The species has been documented in limited observations, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. As with other members of Piestus, it likely inhabits moist microhabitats in forested or riparian environments.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Piestus extimus: //ˈpi.eˌstʊs ɛkˈstiː.mʊs//
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Identification
Members of the Piestus are distinguished from other rove beetles by their strongly flattened, almost leaf-like body shape and broad, expanded that cover most of the . Within Piestus, identification requires examination of subtle differences in antennal structure, pronotal shape, and male genitalia. P. extimus can be separated from the more widespread P. lederwaldti by geographic distribution and subtle differences in body proportions, though precise distinguishing features require examination.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, USA and Mexico; present in Middle America and North America generally. The limited number of documented observations suggests either restricted range, cryptic habits, or undercollection.
Similar Taxa
- Piestus lederwaldtiThe most commonly encountered in the Piestus, with which P. extimus shares the characteristic flattened body form; distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences requiring expert identification.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Piestus was formerly placed in its own Piestidae, but is now universally treated as a (Piestinae) within Staphylinidae based on phylogenetic studies.