Omaliinae

Omaliinae
Acidota subcarinata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Staphylinidae
Subfamily: Omaliinae
MacLeay, 1825

The Omaliinae are a subfamily of the Staphylinidae, rove beetles.[1]

Anatomy

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Typical adults are 1.5 to 6 mm long, somewhat broader in shape than are most Staphylinidae, with somewhat longer elytra (without serial punctures), the head with a broad neck, the antennae which are only slightly broader at the apex, and tarsi of five articles. In almost all genera is a pair of ocelli near the base of the head, and in a few, the elytra cover the entire abdomen. The maxillary mala of larvae are strap-shaped, but not as long as in the Proteininae, and the mandible lacks a prostheca.

Ecology

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Adults and larvae occur in leaf litter, decaying fruits, moss, and under bark of dead trees. Adults of several species and larvae of a few occur in flowers. Adults and larvae of many genera and species are believed to be predatory (they feed on freshly killed small insects), though a few seem to be phytophagous (they damage flowers) or saprophagous (they feed on decaying fruits).

Systematics and evolution

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The Omaliinae subfamily is large (comprising over 100 genera), and is divided into these seven tribes:

In North America, 55 genera and more than 200 species are found.

References

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  1. ^ Newton, A. F., Jr., M. K. Thayer, J. S. Ashe, and D. S. Chandler. 2001. 22. Staphylinidae Latreille, 1802. p. 272–418. In: R. H. Arnett, Jr., and M. C. Thomas (eds.). American beetles, Volume 1. CRC Press; Boca Raton, Florida. ix + 443 p.
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  • Omaliinae at Bugguide.net. [1]