Adranes
LeConte, 1849
ant-loving beetles
Adranes is a of obligately myrmecophilous in the . These small beetles are entirely dependent on of the genus Lasius, living as within their nests. The six described share extreme morphological for this lifestyle, including complete eyelessness, reduced mouthparts, and highly modified . They are known from North America, with species distributed across the United States and Pacific coast regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Adranes: /əˈdreɪniːz/
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Identification
Adranes can be distinguished from other -loving by their highly modified consisting of only two joints, with the second joint very large and heavy (form varies among ). The combination of complete blindness (lacking ), reduced mouthparts, and the presence of specialized hair at the tips of the and base of the abdominal is diagnostic. These hair patches produce secretions that are actively sought by ants.
Habitat
Strictly confined to nests of belonging to the Lasius. The specific microhabitat within nests has not been described in detail.
Distribution
North America. recorded from the United States, with particular concentration on the Pacific coast (A. pacificus, A. taylori). Specific range details for individual species are limited in available sources.
Diet
Dependent upon for food; exact food source (whether ant regurgitations, , or other nest materials) not explicitly documented.
Host Associations
- Lasius - obligate that provide food and protection; produce secretions from specialized hair as requital
Behavior
Helpless and completely dependent on for survival. Attended carefully by Lasius , which actively seek secretions produced by the . The secretions collect on hair located at the tips of the and on the base of the abdominal , and are highly appreciated by the ants.
Ecological Role
Myrmecophilous ; specific function beyond nest dependency not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other ClavigeriniShare myrmecophilous habits and morphological reductions, but differ in antennal structure (Adranes has only two antennal joints with enlarged second joint) and specific associations
- Other PselaphinaeMost are free-living or associated with different ; lack the extreme morphological specialization and obligate Lasius dependency of Adranes