Staphylinini
Staphylinini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
- Family: Staphylinidae
- Subfamily: Staphylininae
- Tribe: Staphylinini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Staphylinini: /stæfɨˈlaɪnɪnaɪ/
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Summary
Staphylinini is a tribe of rove beetles comprising 5506 valid species globally, notable for their ecological importance and diversity, with over 60 new species described annually.
Physical Characteristics
Staphylinini beetles are characterized by their elongated bodies, short elytra (wing covers), and largely exposed abdomens. They often have a slender and sometimes flattened appearance.
Identification Tips
Key identification features include the length of the elytra relative to the abdomen, coloration, and the unique shape of the pronotum in various species.
Habitat
Staphylinini beetles can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forest floors, leaf litter, under rocks, and decaying organic matter.
Distribution
These beetles are distributed worldwide, with a high diversity found in tropical regions and temperate forests.
Diet
Staphylinini beetles are primarily carnivorous, preying on other insects and organic matter, contributing to the decomposition process.
Life Cycle
The life cycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae typically being predacious as well.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Staphylinini involves the laying of eggs in suitable habitats, where larvae can find food sources upon hatching.
Predators
Known predators of Staphylinini include various larger insects and arachnids, as well as birds and small mammals that forage for insects.
Ecosystem Role
They play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers and predators of other pests, aiding in nutrient cycling.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting
- Pitfall traps
- Sweep nets
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinned specimens
- Mounted specimens
Evolution
Staphylinini has diversified significantly, with over 5506 valid species identified, indicating a strong evolutionary history and adaptive radiation within various environments.
Misconceptions
Some may confuse Staphylinini with other beetles due to their similar external morphology, particularly with other rove beetles.
Tags
- beetles
- Staphylinini
- rove beetles
- coleoptera
- insects