Reichenbachia spatulifer
Casey, 1897
ant-loving beetle
Reichenbachia spatulifer is a minute in the Pselaphinae, commonly known as -loving . It is one of approximately 70 in the Reichenbachia, a group characterized by their myrmecophilous associations. The species was described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1897 and is broadly distributed across northern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Reichenbachia spatulifer: /ˌraɪkənˈbækiə spəˈtjuːlɪfər/
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Identification
Members of Reichenbachia are distinguished from other Pselaphinae by the presence of a on the and specific arrangements of (pits) on the and . The specific epithet "spatulifer" likely refers to a (spoon-shaped) structure, possibly on the or legs, though detailed diagnostic features for R. spatulifer specifically are not readily available in general sources. Specimens are extremely small (typically 1-2 mm) and require microscopic examination for reliable identification to .
Distribution
Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory. United States: California, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin. The transcontinental range suggests broad climatic within temperate and zones.
Host Associations
- Formicidae - As an -loving , R. spatulifer is presumed to inhabit ant colonies, though specific ant are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Reichenbachia speciesApproximately 70 congeneric occur in North America, many requiring dissection and examination of male for definitive identification.
- Other Brachyglutini generaTribe Brachyglutini contains numerous minute, morphologically convergent myrmecophilous with similar foveate body plans.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr., a prolific but controversial whose species descriptions often require modern revision. The Reichenbachia was established by Joseph LeConte in 1850.
Collection rarity
With only 5 observations on iNaturalist, R. spatulifer appears rarely encountered by general naturalists, likely due to its minute size and specialized microhabitat within nests.