HYDROSCAPHIDAE

Author: John F. Lawrence.

Classification

Suborder Myxophaga

Description

Antenae with 8 segments, clavate, or with 1 segment club. Antennal insertions concealed. Visible portion of procoxa transverse with the trochantin at least partly exposed. Procoxal cavity externally open and internally closed. Mesocoxae separated by 0.4 to 1 coxal width, with mesocoxal cavity laterally open. Tarsal formula 3-3-3. Number of ventrites 6 or 7 without ventrites connate. Body length 1-2 mm. Shortened elytra, similar to some small Staphylinidae. Large metacoxal plates. Hydroscapha.

Quick identification

Hydroscaphidae are minute beetles with shortened elytra and resemble some small staphylinids. Hydroscaphids have been collected in streams, pools and hot springs; they feed on algae growing on rocks.

Genera occurring in Costa Rica

Hydroscapha.

© CSIRO Emtomology, 1999	© CSIRO Emtomology, 1999