Proteininae

Erichson, 1839

Genus Guides

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Proteininae is a of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Erichson in 1839. The subfamily is most notably represented by the Megarthrus, which contains approximately 140 and has a worldwide distribution with an amphipolar pattern, showing highest diversity in the Holarctic region. Members of Proteininae exhibit specialized morphological structures and , including a documented 'water loading' behavior where beetles carry water on their dorsum using complex morphological adaptations.

Megarthrus pictus by (c) David Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Anderson. Used under a CC-BY license.Megarthrus angulicollis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.Proteinus basalis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Erin Springinotic. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Proteininae: //proʊˈtiːnɪnaɪ//

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Images

Distribution

Worldwide; amphipolar distribution with higher diversity in the Holarctic region. In tropical regions, members are restricted to mountain areas. Documented from Mexico (Veracruz, Chiapas, Jalisco), Korea, Japan, Russian Far East, China (including Yunnan Province), and Papua New Guinea.

Behavior

Water loading has been observed in multiple of Proteininae, where beetles load water onto their dorsum using complex morphological structures. This behavior was first documented in Megarthrus auricola from Papua New Guinea and subsequently observed in five other Proteininae species.

Sources and further reading