Acrotrichinae

Introduction

This somewhat specialized subfamily contains, among other genera, the genus Acrotrichis, the most widely distributed and speciose group of ptiliids. Acrotrichines also represent the largest known ptiliids, some species reaching approximately 2.0 mm in length.

Habitats of acrotrichines vary considerably, from leaf litter, decayed organic material, to mammal dung.

Some acrotrichine species are known to be parthenogenetic.

Characteristics

Presently, members of Acrotrichinae can be separated from other ptiliids by the following combination of characters (Dybas, 1990): hind coxae separated approximately 1/8 metasternal width; pygidium with or without a median tooth, but possessing a lateral tooth on each side; symmetrical aedeagus possessing two ventral hooks; elytra truncate; mesocoxal suture straight.

Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships

As with all subfamilies within Ptiliidae, this group is in need of revision. Currently, Mikael Sorensson is revising Acrotrichis, as well as performing a phylogenetic analysis of the family.

References

Dybas, H.S. 1990. Ptiliidae. in Soil Biology Guide. Daniel L. Dindal, editor. Wiley-Interscience, New York.

Johnson, C. 1969. The genus Acrotrichis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae) in the Ethiopian region (studies on Ethiopian Ptiliidae, no.2). Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr. 79: 213-260.

Johnson, C. 1984. New data on Afrotropical Acrotrichis Motschulsky with descriptions of seven new species (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae). Rev. Zool. Afr. 98: 197-210.

Johnson, C. 1986. Studies on Baeocrara Thomson (Col., Ptiliidae). Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 122: 79-84.

Johnson, C. 1987. A revised check list of British Acrotrichis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae). Entomologist's Gazette 38: 229-242.

Mlynarski, J.K. 1984. Materials to the revision of the genus Acrotrichis Motschulsky, 1848 (Coleoptera, Ptiliidae). Acta Zool. Cracov. 27(18): 305- 376.

Sundt, E. 1971. Gattung: Acrotrichis Motsch. In: Freude, H., Harde, K.W., & Lohse, G.A. (Eds.), Die Käfer Mitteleuropas. Band 3. Goecke & Evers Verlag, Krefeld, Germany, pp. 335–342.

Waltz, R.D. 1984. A new name for Acrotrichis longipennis Kubota (Col.: Ptiliidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin 38(3): 255.

Waltz, R.D. 1987. A new synonym in Acrotrichis Motsch. (Col.: Ptiliidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin 41(2): 105.