Loricula pselaphiformis

Distinguished from other Microphysidae by the pselaphine-like body shape—compact, rounded, and beetle-like in appearance. The genus Loricula can be separated from the other microphysid genus, Microphysa, by structural features of the head and antennae. Separation from actual pselaphine beetles (which are Coleoptera) is achieved by observing hemelytra (forewings with membranous tips) characteristic of Hemiptera, rather than the hardened elytra of beetles. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia.

A minute true bug with body form resembling that of pselaphine rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae), from which the specific epithet derives. Members of the genus Loricula are among the smallest Hemiptera, typically measuring 1-2 mm in length. The body is compact with a somewhat humped or rounded profile. Antennae are relatively short. Coloration is generally dark.

Documented from Africa, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The broad disjunct distribution suggests either natural cosmopolitanism or potential cryptic species diversity requiring further study.

• Pselaphinae (Staphylinidae)Loricula pselaphiformis closely resembles pselaphine rove beetles in body form, size, and general appearance. Both are small, compact, dark, and found in similar microhabitats. The key distinction is that L. pselaphiformis possesses hemelytra (true bug forewings with membranous apical portion) rather than the hardened elytra covering folded hindwings characteristic of beetles.
• MicrophysaThe other genus in family Microphysidae. Microphysa species differ from Loricula in body shape, being less compact and pselaphine-like, and in details of head and antennal structure.

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