|
|
|
Coleoptera of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Species Pages
Family Histeridae
Tribe Plegaderini
Plegaderus transversus (Say)
|
|
|
Description and Taxonomy
Length 1.2-1.6 mm. The genus belongs to the tribe Plegaderini, which is characterized by the specific structure of the prothorax; a large setose patch on the prosternum and longitudinal and often transverse constrictions on the pronotum (Kovarik & Caterino 2000). The tribe is monotypic in N. America and only a single species out of three eastern species is reported from the Park. It is characterized by the transverse pronotal constriction, tiny posterior lobe of prosternum and extensive aciculate microsculpture on the elytra.
Life History
This species is found under the bark of dead trees, primarily pines (Kovarik & Caterino 2000, Bousquet & Laplante 2006). It inhabits mostly galleries of bark beetles where it preys on small soft-bodied arthropods including bark beetle eggs and young larvae. It is known inGSMNP from several localities at 455-1280 m elevation.
Distribution
Widespread in eastern N America, from Quebec and Ontario to Texas and Florida (Bousquet & Laplante 2006).
Conservation Concerns
Not under threat.
|
Locality records in GSMNP. |
Acknowledgements
Development of these pages was supported by grants from Discover Life in America and the National Science Foundation (DEB-0516311).
References
Bousquet, Y. and S. Laplante. 2006. Coleoptera Histeridae. The insects and arachnids of Canada. Part 24. NRC Research press, Ottawa. 485 pp.
Kovarik, P.W. and M. S. Caterino. 2000. Histeridae. Pp. 212-227 in: Arnett, R. H. and M. C. Thomas (eds.) American beetles. Vol. 1. CRC Press, Boca Raton - London - New York - Washington.
Posted 13 August 2007, A. K. Tishechkin, Louisiana State Arthropod Museum.
