Lithocharodes longicollis
(LeConte, 1863)
Long-collared Rove Beetle
Lithocharodes longicollis is a rove beetle in the Staphylinidae, tribe Xantholinini, characterized by its notably elongated pronotum that gives rise to both its scientific and . The was originally described by LeConte in 1863 under the Leptacinus. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through much of the eastern and midwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lithocharodes longicollis: /ˌlɪθoʊkəˈroʊdiːz ˌlɒŋɡɪˈkɒlɪs/
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Identification
The is distinguished from other Lithocharodes and related xantholinine rove beetles primarily by its elongated, slender pronotum that is distinctly longer than wide. The specific epithet "longicollis" (long-necked) directly references this feature. Additional diagnostic characters include the overall body form typical of the , though precise distinguishing features from congeneric species require examination of subtle morphological details of the pronotal shape, elytral proportions, and male genitalia.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America. Canadian records: Ontario, Quebec. United States records: Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia.
Similar Taxa
- Other Lithocharodes speciesCongeneric share the general body plan of Xantholinini rove beetles but differ in pronotal proportions; L. longicollis is specifically characterized by its more elongated pronotum
- Other Xantholinini genera (e.g., Xantholinus, Oligolinus)Members of the same tribe share the characteristic 11-segmented with a distinct club and similar overall body form, but differ in details of pronotal and elytral shape, as well as genitalic structure
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Leptacinus longicollis by J.L. LeConte in 1863, later transferred to the Lithocharodes. The basionym Leptacinus longicollis is now considered a synonym.
Taxonomic placement
The Lithocharodes is classified in the tribe Xantholinini, Staphylininae, within the megadiverse Staphylinidae (rove beetles). The Xantholinini are characterized by their 11-segmented with a more or less distinct club and generally elongate body form.