Cephennium grandarboreum
Hopp & Caterino, 2009
Cephennium grandarboreum is a of minute moss beetle in the Scydmaeninae, described from California in 2009. Species in this are among the smallest staphylinid beetles, generally measuring under 2 mm in length. The specific epithet "grandarboreum" references the large tree association noted at the type locality. Scydmaeninae beetles are frequently overlooked due to their diminutive size and cryptic habits in forest litter and moss.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cephennium grandarboreum: /kɛˈfɛniəm grænˌdɑrˈbɔriəm/
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Habitat
Forest environments, specifically associated with large trees; type locality indicates arboreal or tree-base microhabitat in mesic forest conditions.
Distribution
Known from California, USA; records from the type locality and additional California localities.
Similar Taxa
- Other Cephennium speciesRequires examination of male genitalia and fine details for definitive identification; C. grandarboreum distinguished by specific body proportions and aedeagal structure described in original description.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet "grandarboreum" derives from Latin "grandis" (large) and "arboreum" (tree), referring to the large valley oak (Quercus lobata) at the base of which the type series was collected.
Taxonomic context
Part of the Cephenniini tribe within Scydmaeninae; this tribe contains some of the most morphologically derived and miniaturized beetles in Staphylinidae, with many remaining undescribed.