Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Microsporidae Crotch 1873, Sphaeriidae Erichson 1845
Explanation of Names
Sphaeriusidae Erichson 1845
Numbers
a single genus, with 3 nominal spp. in our area
(1), ~20 spp. worldwide
Identification
Very small beetles with clubbed antennae, large hind coxal plates, and abdominal sternites of unequal width
(1)Range
worldwide except S. America; in our area, so. US & WA
(1)Habitat
Along rivers and streams, in bog mosses, and moist leaf litter
(1)Print References
International Committee of Zoological Nomenclature. 2000. Opinion 1957, Sphaerius Waltl, 1838 (Insecta, Coleoptera): conserved; and Sphaeriidae Erichson, 1845 (Coleoptera): spelling emended to Sphaeriusidae, so removing the homonymy with Sphaeriidae Deshayes, 1854 (1820) (Mollusca, Bivalvia). Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 57(3):182-184.
Jäch, M. A. 1999. Case 3052. Sphaerius Waltl, 1838 and Sphaeriusidae Erichson, 1845 (Insecta, Coleoptera): proposed conservation by the partial revocation of Opinion 1331. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 56(2):117-120.