Quedius alesi
Brunke, 2020
Quedius alesi is a rove beetle in the Staphylinidae, described by Brunke in 2020. It belongs to the large Quedius, which contains numerous ground-dwelling predatory beetles. The is known from eastern North America, with records spanning from Ontario and Quebec south to Alabama and Oklahoma.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Quedius alesi: /ˈkwɛdiʊs ˈalɛsi/
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Identification
As a recently described (2020), specific diagnostic features distinguishing Q. alesi from are documented in the original description by Brunke. Members of Quedius generally exhibit the characteristic rove beetle body plan: elongate, somewhat flattened, with short exposing most of the , and relatively long legs. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) and USA (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia).
Ecological Role
As a member of Staphylinidae, this likely functions as a of small in soil and leaf litter , though this has not been specifically documented for Q. alesi.
Similar Taxa
- Other Quedius speciesQuedius is a large and taxonomically complex ; many require dissection and examination of aedeagal structures for reliable identification. Q. alesi was distinguished from previously described species based on characters detailed in Brunke (2020).
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described as a new in 2020 by Adam J. Brunke, indicating it was previously unrecognized or confused with related . The specific epithet honors an individual, though the etymology is not detailed in available sources.
Data limitations
As a recently described with limited iNaturalist observations (15 records), detailed natural history information has not yet been published. Most aspects of its remain to be documented.