Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar

TaxonomyBrowseInfoImagesLinksBooksData
Photo#46471
Ant-loving Beetle - Reichenbachia

Ant-loving Beetle - Reichenbachia
Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA
April 1, 2006
Size: 2mm

Reichenbachia sp.
I hadn't really looked at this one, as it wasn't in quite as good focus as the Rybaxis, but I did casually note you later mentioned two specimens, and even more casually noted that the antennal color and form between the two photos was a bit different.

Upon examining this photo closely, I see that this is a male specimen of a Reichenbachia (there is no sulcus on the pronotum), probably Reichenbachia corporalis based on the separation of the discal carinae on the first abdominal segment. As mentioned for the Rybaxis, this color pattern is shared by a number of genera. Another bog/marsh edge species.

 
another genus!!!
WOW, I thought I photographed the same beetle in both pictures, but there were small differences in these tiny beetles. Will the specimen help to determine if this is indeed a Reichenbachia corporalis?

 
Yes, if you still have it, put it aside for me.
I can see that the preapical mesotibial spur is present (a bit out of focus, but there), so it is a male. Not absolutely necessary to have one in this group, but a great comfort when trying to identify to species.

Look closely at the pronotal disc for both species, and you can see the V-shaped sulcus near the base in Rybaxis, and there is no such sulcus connecting the lateral foveae (setose pits) in Reichenbachia. Plus the antennal clubs are formed slightly differently and are a bit differently colored.

If you still have the Rybaxis also, I can put a name on it if I have it before me under the microscope.

 
both are already saved
I put them both in the same vial, and will be in NH Tuesday next week. Could I drop what I have for you around 11:00am to noon?

 
Tues 11-12 I will be in
See you then. I look forward to seeing that Pseudo-Mycetophagus which I hope you kept. I just can't place it.

 
Have it
I'll bring the Pseudo-Mycetophagus along with some others.

Comment viewing options
Select your preferred way to display the comments and click 'Save settings' to activate your changes.