Macratriinae

LeConte, 1862

antlike flower beetles

Genus Guides

Macratria(antlike flower beetles)
Salimuzzamania

Macratriinae is a of antlike flower beetles ( Anthicidae) established by LeConte in 1862. The subfamily contains at least two : Macratria Newman, 1838 and Thambospasta Werner, 1974. is concentrated in tropical regions, with significant representation in the Papuan Region, Wallacea, and the Americas. Recent taxonomic work has substantially expanded the known count, with over 30 described species recognized.

Macratria by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Macratria by (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zachary Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Macratria confusa by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macratriinae: //ˌmækrəˈtraɪɪniː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Macratriinae can be distinguished from other of Anthicidae by a combination of morphological characters including antennal structure and body form. Within the subfamily, the two differ in their distribution: Macratria is widespread in tropical regions worldwide, while Thambospasta is more restricted. -level identification relies on detailed examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological features.

Images

Distribution

Tropical regions worldwide including the Papuan Region, Wallacea (Indo-Australian transition zone), Central America, and northern South America (Panama, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname). The Macratria has the broadest distribution, while Thambospasta has more limited range.

Similar Taxa

AnthicinaeAnother of Anthicidae; Macratriinae differs in antennal structure and body proportions
Ischaliinae of Anthicidae with different antennal and pronotal characteristics
Notoxinae of Anthicidae; Macratriinae generally have more elongated body form

More Details

Taxonomic History

The was established by LeConte in 1862. The Macratria, described by Newman in 1838, is the largest and most widespread genus. Thambospasta was described by Werner in 1974 and remains less diverse.

Recent Taxonomic Activity

Between 2022-2023, at least 21 new were described from the Papuan Region, Wallacea, and the Americas, indicating the group remains poorly known and requires continued revisionary work.