Ecotypic-divergence
Guides
Neaphaenops tellkampfii
Neaphaenops tellkampfii is a predaceous troglobitic ground beetle endemic to cave systems in North America. The species exhibits distinct ecological adaptations across its range, with two recognized subspecies occupying different subterranean environments: N. t. tellkampfii in sandy deep caves and N. t. meridionalis in wet muddy caves. These subspecies demonstrate divergent foraging specializations, with the nominate form adapted to locate buried cricket eggs and the southern form better suited to capture enchytraeid worms. Adults show seasonal activity patterns and recruitment timing linked to food availability.