Coffin Cave Mold Beetle

Batrisodes texanus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
Family: Staphylinidae
Subfamily: Pselaphinae
Supertribe: Batrisitae
Genus: Batrisodes
Species: texanus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Batrisodes texanus: //bætrɪˈsoʊdiːz tɛkˈseɪnəs//

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

Summary

Batrisodes texanus, the Coffin Cave Mold Beetle, is a federally endangered species only found in Williamson County, Texas. It is characterized by its small size, lack of eyes, and specific cave habitat requirements. Conservation efforts are critical due to threats from urbanization and habitat loss.

Physical Characteristics

Small, 2.60–2.88 mm (0.102–0.113 in) long; sexually dimorphic; males have a slight groove across their heads; pronotum features a longitudinal groove; elytra have three pits at the bases; lacks any form of eyes.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing features can only be observed upon microscopic study by a qualified systematist.

Habitat

Found exclusively in caves, requiring dark and humid conditions; endemic to karst formations such as caves and sinkholes.

Distribution

Endemic to Williamson County, Texas; known from specific caves including Godwin Ranch Preserve, Cobbs Cavern, Sunless City Cave, Waterfall Canyon Cave, On Campus Cave, Off Campus Cave, and Inner Space Cavern.

Diet

Unknown, but believed to be a predator.

Conservation Status

Federal endangered species; considered a 'Species of Greatest Conservation Need' (SGCN) by Texas Parks & Wildlife.

Ecosystem Role

Cave obligate species or troglobite, spending its entire life underground, playing a role in the subterranean ecosystem.

Collecting Methods

Collected by hand from cave environments under rocks.

Preservation Methods

Specimens deposited in museum collections.

Evolution

Part of the subgenus Excavodes; thought to be monophyletic with related species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other pselaphid beetles, particularly prior to being recognized as a separate species from Texamaurops reddelli.