Honors Theses and Capstones

A Revision of the ant-like beetle genus Custotychus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)

Date of Award

Fall 2014

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

COLSA

Department

Biological Sciences

Program or Major

Zoology

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

First Advisor

Donald Chandler

Abstract

The genus Custotychus is a well-defined monophyletic group of the ant-like litter beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae). The species range from the mid-Atlantic to the Southwest regions of the United States. A taxonomic revision based on morphological characters has produced thirteen species, eight of which are newly described species. The species C. spiculifer has been discovered to be the junior synonym of the species C. verticalis.

All species were identified and described through the use of dissections, characterization of diagnostic features, and the illustration of these features through drawings and the use of a scanning electron microscope. The most important feature in placing specimens of Custotychus species is the genitalia, which must be dissected out of these 1.8 mm beetles to be observed, with also the position and form of the metasternal tubercle being important.

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