Journal
of Cave and Karst Studies
- ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 65 Number 1: 3-8 April 2003
A publication of the National Speleological Society
The
Cave-inhabiting Rove Beetles of the United States (Coleoptera; Staphylinidae;
excluding Aleocharinae and Pselaphinae): Diversity and Distributions
Stewart B. Peck and Margaret K. Thayer
Abstract
A taxonomic listing is given for new records of 66 species of staphylinid beetles (excluding Aleocharinae and Pselaphinae) collected in caves in the contiguous United States. Most species are judged to be either accidentals or infrequent troglophilic inhabitants of caves. Nine species are classed as frequent troglophiles. When added to the 6 frequent troglophile species of aleocharine staphylinids, this yields a total of 15 species of staphylinid beetles (excluding Pselaphinae) frequently found in US cave ecosystems. No troglobitic species are known from US caves. Troglobitic staphylinids (excluding Pselaphinae) elsewhere in the world are few (some 30 species). They are briefly considered and discussed. Worldwide, troglobitic staphylinids are taxonomically, geographically, and geologically concentrated in the Canary Islands (in volcanic lava tube caves) and in nearby Spain and northwestern Africa.
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5 November, 2004 5:52
Web Author: Jim Pisarowicz