Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Texamaurops reddelli: /ˌtɛksəˌmɔːˈrɒps ˈrɛdɛlaɪ/

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Summary

Texamaurops reddelli, known as the Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle, is a small, rare, and endangered beetle endemic to certain caves in Travis County, Texas, characterized by its long legs, absence of eyes, and unique adaptations for life in total darkness. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect its dwindling habitat from urban development and invasive species.

Physical Characteristics

Body length 2.72-3.08 mm; small, long-legged beetle with short elytra leaving five abdominal tergites exposed; color reddish-brown, shiny; pubescent hairs pale and moderately abundant; general body surface sparsely and weakly dotted with small pits; eyes absent, represented by small knobs with six vestigial eye facets; 11-segmented simple antennae.

Identification Tips

Hard to distinguish from other beetles in the Pselaphinae subfamily; can only be identified under microscopic examination due to ocular knobs on the head.

Habitat

Lives under rocks and logs, in sinkholes, rotting wood, termite nests, and caves, specifically in total darkness.

Distribution

Known from six caves in Travis County, Texas; now believed to exist in three caves in the Edwards Plateau due to habitat loss.

Diet

Food preferences are unknown, but it is believed to be a predator.

Life Cycle

There is no distinct reproduction pattern; may reproduce at any time of the year if conditions are steady in the cave.

Predators

Fire ants are a significant threat to the beetle; other specific predators are unknown.

Conservation Status

Listed as Endangered since September 16, 1988; Texas considers it a 'Species of Greatest Conservation Need'.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, it likely plays a role in regulating other invertebrate populations within cave ecosystems.

Evolution

Troglobites like Texamaurops reddelli evolved as a response to climatic changes during the Pleistocene epoch, leading to adaptations for cave life.

Similar Taxa

• Texella reddelli
• Texella reyesi
• Tartarocreagris texana
• Neoleptoneta myopica
• Rhadine persephone
• Batrisodes texanus

Misconceptions

Despite being a beetle, its specific adaptations to cave life may not be widely understood; many people may also underestimate the threats it faces because troglobites are not commonly observed.

Tags

• endangered species
• karst invertebrates
• cave ecology
• Texas biodiversity