Karst-invertebrate

Guides

  • Batrisodes venyivi

    Helotes Mold Beetle

    Batrisodes venyivi, commonly known as the Helotes Mold Beetle, is a small, eyeless troglobitic beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is endemic to eight caves in Bexar County, Texas, and was listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2000. The species exhibits classic cave-adapted traits including elongated antennae, legs, and sensory setae. Very little is known about its behavior, population trends, or life history due to the logistical challenges of accessing its subterranean habitat.

  • Rhadine infernalis

    Rhadine infernalis is a troglobitic ground beetle endemic to Bexar County, Texas, where it occupies karst caves and mesocaverns. It is one of nine federally endangered karst invertebrates from this region, listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2000. The species has the widest known distribution among these endangered invertebrates, having been documented in 39 caves across five karst fauna regions. Two named subspecies exist: R. i. infernalis and R. i. ewersi.