Cylindrarctus crinifer
Casey, 1893
Cylindrarctus crinifer is a small -loving in the , Pselaphinae. The is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States. Like other members of the tribe Tychini, it is associated with ant colonies. Published information on its biology remains limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cylindrarctus crinifer: //sɪˌlɪndˈrɑːrk.təs ˈkrɪn.ɪ.fɚ//
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Identification
A member of the tribe Tychini, characterized by the compact, cylindrical body form typical of this group. Within Cylindrarctus, C. crinifer can be distinguished from by subtle differences in structure and male , requiring microscopic examination. The specific epithet "crinifer" (Latin: hair-bearing) suggests setation patterns may be diagnostically relevant.
Habitat
Found in association with colonies, as indicated by its as an ant-loving . Specific microhabitat preferences are undocumented but likely include soil, leaf litter, and ant nest structures in forested and open environments.
Distribution
Eastern and central United States. Documented from Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Host Associations
- Formicidae - associate-loving ; specific ant unrecorded
Ecological Role
Likely functions as a myrmecophile within colonies, though the nature of the relationship (commensal, mutualistic, or parasitic) is unstudied.
Similar Taxa
- Other Cylindrarctus species share compact cylindrical body and association; require genitalic examination for reliable identification
- Other Tychini generaSimilar myrmecophilous habits and small size; differ in antennal structure and body proportions