Quedius spelaeus
Horn, 1871
Spelean Rove Beetle
A troglophilic rove beetle found in porcupine caves in Nova Scotia, where it functions as the . The pupal stage was described for the first time from Nova Scotian . Late-instar larvae excavate and occupy cavities within dung deposits, pupating in these constructed chambers. The shows an apparently disjunct distribution pattern in Nova Scotia, possibly reflecting post-glacial from Atlantic refugia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Quedius spelaeus: //ˈkwɛdiʊs spɛˈlaɪəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Quedius by its troglophilic association with porcupine caves; specific diagnostic characters not provided in available sources. The pupa, when available, may aid identification but requires comparison with other Quedius pupae.
Habitat
Porcupine caves in karst regions; occupies cavities excavated within accumulated dung deposits.
Distribution
Canada: Nova Scotia (porcupine caves), with additional records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan. United States: California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Diet
Other ; functions as the in porcupine cave .
Life Cycle
Late-instar larvae excavate cavities in porcupine , remain within these chambers, and pupate inside them. The pupa was described for the first time from Nova Scotian .
Behavior
Larvae actively excavate and occupy cavities within deposits; remains within these constructed chambers through .
Ecological Role
on other in porcupine cave .
Similar Taxa
- Other Quedius speciesRequires careful differentiation; pupal and troglophilic association with porcupine may aid separation.