Petrophilous
Guides
Amblycheila katzi
Trans-Pecos Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila katzi is a small-sized tiger beetle (23–28 mm) endemic to the Trans-Pecos region of western Texas. It is distinguished from all other Amblycheila by its strongly petrophilous ecology, occupying vertical rock walls rather than ground habitats. Adults are nocturnal predators active on limestone surfaces 1–5 m above ground. The species has been successfully bred in captivity, with 59 adults reared from eggs.
Meinertellidae
rock bristletails
Meinertellidae is a family of basal insects in the order Archaeognatha, commonly known as rock bristletails. The family comprises more than 170 species across 19 genera, grouped into five distinct genus groups. Members are distinguished from the related family Machilidae by specific morphological traits including the absence of scales at the base of appendages and the presence of small abdominal sternites protruding between coxal plates. While most Archaeognatha are rock-dwelling, some Meinertellidae species in the Amazon have adapted to arboreal and leaf litter habitats.