Custotychus
Park, O. & J. A. Wagner, 1962
Species Guides
1Custotychus is a of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the Pselaphinae, tribe Tychini. The genus was established by Park and Wagner in 1962. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with forest floor . The genus is rarely encountered, with only four observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the source data.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Custotychus: /kʌstoʊˈtaɪkəs/
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Identification
Custotychus can be distinguished from other Tychini by genitalic characters and subtle differences in antennal club structure. As with most pselaphine , definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia. The genus is most readily separated from the related genus Tychus by differences in the configuration of the and the shape of the metaventrite.
Habitat
Forest floor , particularly in leaf litter and decaying organic matter. Specific microhabitat preferences within this have not been documented.
Distribution
The has been recorded from North America. Specific range boundaries are poorly documented due to limited collecting effort.
Ecological Role
As with other Pselaphinae, members of this likely function as micro- or scavengers in forest floor detritus , though this has not been directly studied in Custotychus.
Similar Taxa
- TychusSimilar body form and antennal structure; distinguished by male genitalia and metaventrite shape
- BryaxisOverlaps in general habitus; Bryaxis typically have more pronounced elytral and different foveal patterns on the pronotum
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was described by American coleopterists Orlando Park and Joseph A. Wagner in 1962, based on material from the United States. The name combines the prefix 'Custo-' (of uncertain derivation, possibly from Latin 'custos' meaning guard) with '-tychus' linking it to the type genus of the tribe Tychini.
Collection rarity
The is represented by very few specimens in collections and few observations in citizen science databases, suggesting either genuine rarity, cryptic habits, or undersampling of appropriate microhabitats.