Scaphisoma suturale
LeConte, J. L., 1860
Scaphisoma suturale is a small rove beetle in the Scaphidiinae, first described from North America in 1860. in this are characterized by compact, rounded bodies that differ from the typically elongated form of most staphylinid beetles. The specific epithet 'suturale' refers to features of the elytral . This species occurs in eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scaphisoma suturale: //ˌskæfɪˈsoʊmə suːˈtjʊˌreɪli//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Scaphisoma by details of elytral structure and punctation patterns; from other Scaphidiinae by combination of body shape and size; from other small rounded Coleoptera by abbreviated exposing terminal abdominal segments and presence of characteristic staphylinid defensive gland structures.
Habitat
Associated with forest floor , particularly in decaying wood and fungal fruiting bodies; found in moist woodland environments with abundant rotting organic matter.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Canada (Quebec), United States (Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island).
Diet
Mycophagous; feeds on fungal spores and .
Ecological Role
Decomposer in forest ; contributes to nutrient cycling through consumption of fungi in decaying wood.
Similar Taxa
- Other Scaphisoma speciesRequire examination of genitalia and subtle elytral punctation patterns for definitive separation; many externally similar.
- Scaphidiinae of similar sizeBody shape and elytral proportions vary among ; S. suturale has characteristic rounded profile of Scaphisoma.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'suturale' (Latin: of the ) refers to the elytral suture, a diagnostic feature used in description.
Collection history
Described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860 based on specimens from eastern North America; remains a rarely collected with few modern records.