Fustiger fuchsii

Brendel, 1866

Fustiger fuchsii is a of myrmecophilous rove beetle in the Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae. It belongs to the tribe Clavigerini, a group of highly specialized beetles that live as social within colonies. The species was described by Brendel in 1866. Like other members of its tribe, it has evolved remarkable morphological adaptations for infiltrating ant nests and exploiting colony resources.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fustiger fuchsii: //ˈfʊstɪdʒər ˈfʊksiˌaɪ//

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Distribution

Recorded from the United States in Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Ecological Role

As a member of Clavigerini, Fustiger fuchsii functions as a myrmecophilous social within colonies. These beetles infiltrate ant nests, bypassing colony defenses through specialized chemical mimicry. Once established, they feed on ant and , and receive liquid food regurgitated directly by ants. This parasitic relationship represents an ancient and highly specialized form of interspecific exploitation.

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