Tachinus elongatus
Gyllenhal, 1810
Tachinus elongatus is a of rove beetle in the Staphylinidae, Tachyporinae. It has a broad Holarctic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. The species was described by Gyllenhal in 1810 and remains taxonomically accepted. Like other members of the Tachinus, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and fungal , though specific natural history details for this species are poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tachinus elongatus: //təˈkaɪnəs iːˈlɒŋɡətəs//
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Identification
Tachinus elongatus can be distinguished from other Tachinus by its elongate body form, consistent with its specific epithet. Members of the Tachinus typically exhibit a somewhat flattened body with relatively long that cover most of the , unlike many other staphylinid genera with very short elytra. Accurate identification to species level generally requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters. The species may be confused with other elongate Tachinus species such as Tachinus rufipes or Tachinus corticinus, necessitating careful comparison of punctation patterns, coloration, and structural proportions.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution. In North America: Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Labrador, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon) and United States (Alaska, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming), plus Mexico. In Eurasia: Europe, Russia (European Russia, eastern and western Siberia, Russian Far East, Kamchatka), Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Japan, and China (including Heilongjiang through Xinjiang).
Similar Taxa
- Tachinus rufipesSimilar elongate body form and overlapping distribution in the Holarctic region; requires genital dissection for reliable separation.
- Tachinus corticinusShares elongate habitus and may co-occur in similar ; distinguished by subtle differences in elytral punctuation and body proportions.