Goniusa alperti

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Goniusa alperti
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Beetle
Suborder: Polyphaga
Family: Staphylinidae
Genus: Goniusa
Species: G. alperti
Binomial name
Goniusa alperti
Kistner, 1976

One of three species of myrmecophiles in the genus Goniusa.

Diagnosis

Goniusa alperti can be distinguished from G. caseyi by having pronotum with lateral sides converging anteriad, reaching maximum width behind the middle (Figs. 39-41); antennal segments 5-10 slightly transverse; smaller body and short apical process of median lobe.

Description

Type material. Holotype of G. alperti: UNITED STATES: Washington: Whatcom Co.: Blaine, ant nest (G.Alpert), 10.v.1971 (DHKC).

Paratypes of G. alperti: UNITED STATES: Washington: Clallam Co.:, 10 mi. E Coville, ant nest (G.Alpert), 11.iv.1971; Whatcom Co.:, Bellingham, ant nest (G.Alpert), 11.v.1971 (all - DHKC). Additional material. UNITED STATES: California: San Bernardino Co.: San Bernardino Mts., 2 mi. NW Fawnskin, host: Formica haemorrhoidalis (B. & E.MacKay) (all - DHKC); Placer Co.:Tahoe City; Colorado: Ouray Co.:Ouray, 9000' (mounted with a Formica specimen) (Wickham), vii (all - CASC); Grand Co.: 16 km NW Granby, Arapaho National Forest, Hwy. 125, 40º12'N 106º03'W, 2600m, Formica nest (mounted with a Formica specimen) (V.I.Gusarov), 23.viii.2000 (KSEM); Nebraska: Cuming Co.: West Point (FMNH).

Distribution

California, Colorado, Nebraska, Washington

Biology

Ant hosts: Formica obscuripes

REFERENCES