Stenus | |
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Stenus biguttatus | |
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Genus: | Stenus [1] Latreille, 1796 |
Stenus is a genus of semiaquatic rove beetles in the subfamily Steninae, and one of the largest genera in the kingdom Animalia, with some 2700 known species worldwide (only the beetle genus Agrilus is comparable in size). [2] They are predators of Collembola and other small arthropods. Adults have a protrusible labium with a sticky tip used in prey capture. To overcome the rapid escape of Collembola, the labium is protruded at high speed (1-3 ms in Stenus comma) by hemolymph pressure, and immediately withdrawn (withdrawn in 30-40 ms in Stenus comma), pulling the prey within the range of the mandibles. However, the labium tip does not easily stick to prey covered in scales or setae or that have a large body size. Stenus comma is more likely to catch such prey by lunging forward and grabbing them directly with its mandibles rather than using its labium. [3] Stenus species are also known for "skimming" on the water surface using their pygidial gland secretions that act as a surfactant and rapidly propel the beetle fast forward, a phenomenon known as the Marangoni effect. Stenus comma has been seen to achieve a velocity of 0.75 m/s, and to cover a distance of up to 15 m if the secretion is continuous. [4] [5]
The Aleocharinae are one of the largest subfamilies of rove beetles, containing over 12,000 species. Previously subject to large-scale debate whether the subfamily deserved the familial status, it is now considered one of the largest subfamilies of rove beetles.
Athetini is a tribe of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are at least 50 genera and 430 described species in Athetini.
Neobisnius is a genus of large rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are at least 20 described species in Neobisnius.
Omalium is a genus of ocellate rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are at least 70 described species in Omalium.
Palaminus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are about 16 described species in Palaminus.
Oxytelus is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are more than 50 described species in Oxytelus.
Ochthephilus is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are at least 50 described species in Ochthephilus.
Anotylus is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are more than 90 described species in Anotylus.
Oxypodini is a tribe of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are more than 50 genera and 580 described species in Oxypodini.
Myllaena is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are more than 60 described species in Myllaena.
Biocrypta is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. There are more than 20 described species in Biocrypta, found in North, Central, and South America.