Canifa
LeConte, 1866
false flower beetles
Species Guides
3Canifa is a of false flower beetles in the Scraptiidae, established by LeConte in 1866. The genus contains at least four described distributed in North America. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with decaying plant material and fungi.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Canifa: //ˈka.ni.fa//
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Identification
Canifa are small beetles (likely 2–5 mm based on characteristics) with the general Scraptiidae body plan: elongate-oval shape, , and often pale or patterned . Specific distinguishing features from other Scraptiidae such as Scraptia or Anaspis are not documented in available sources. The genus name Canifa is masculine in gender.
Images
Distribution
North America. records include: Canifa pallipennis (described from the western United States), Canifa pallipes, Canifa plagiata, and Canifa pusilla (all described from eastern North American localities).
Similar Taxa
- ScraptiaAnother in Scraptiidae; Canifa distinguished by antennal and genitalic characters not visible without dissection
- AnaspisLarger scraptiid with generally more contrasting color patterns; Canifa tend toward more uniform pale coloration
More Details
Species list
Four described : Canifa pallipennis LeConte, 1878; Canifa pallipes (Melsheimer, 1846); Canifa plagiata (Melsheimer, 1846); Canifa pusilla (Haldeman, 1848). Two species were originally described in the Scraptia and later transferred to Canifa.
Taxonomic history
The was established by LeConte in 1866 with Canifa pallipennis as the type . The etymology of the name Canifa is not documented in standard references.