Goniaceritae
Reitter, 1882
ant-loving beetles
Tribe Guides
5- Brachyglutini
- Bythinini(small short-winged mould beetles)
- Speleobamini
- Tychini
- Valda
Goniaceritae is a supertribe of minute ant-loving beetles within the Pselaphinae (Staphylinidae), established by Edmund Reitter in 1882. The group comprises approximately 16 and at least 30 described , though this is likely an underestimate given ongoing taxonomic work. The type genus is Goniacerus Motschulsky, 1855. Members of this supertribe are myrmecophilous, meaning they are ecologically associated with ants, though the specific nature of these associations varies among genera and species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Goniaceritae: //ˌɡoʊniəˈsɛrɪtiː//
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Identification
Identification of Goniaceritae requires examination of male genitalia and detailed microsculpture patterns on the and pronotum. The supertribe can be distinguished from other Pselaphinae by the structure of the and the presence of specific foveal patterns on the elytra. Members are minute beetles, typically less than 3 mm in length, with compact bodies, short elytra that leave most of the exposed, and that are often clubbed or have modified segments. Generic-level identification relies on the configuration of the maxillary palpi, the presence or absence of on the pronotum, and the structure of the metaventral process.
Images
Habitat
Members of Goniaceritae have been collected in forest litter, soil, and decaying wood, often in association with nests. Specific data is sparse for most , but available records indicate occurrence in montane forests, lowland rainforests, and temperate woodland .
Distribution
The supertribe has a broad but patchily documented distribution. Documented occurrences include: New Zealand ( Eupines with 48 ); Mount Cameroon and sub-Saharan continental Africa including Western Africa (multiple genera of Goniacerini); and additional records from Europe, Asia, and the Americas based on iNaturalist observations. The full geographic range remains incompletely characterized due to taxonomic underdescription and limited sampling in many regions.
Similar Taxa
- BatrisitaeAnother supertribe of Pselaphinae with myrmecophilous habits; distinguished by differences in elytral foveation and male genitalia structure
- PselaphitaeSupertribe containing the majority of Pselaphinae diversity; Goniaceritae differs in specific arrangements of pronotal and elytral setae and foveae, as well as aedeagal