Microsculpture in UK ground beetles: Are there patterns?

Authors: DOBERSKI, Julian; WALMESLEY, George

Source: Entomological Science, Volume 10, Number 4, December 2007 , pp. 425-428(4)

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Abstract:

Cuticular microsculpture “cells” were measured on 78 species of UK ground beetles. The data were analyzed to establish whether the type of microsculpture could be linked to ground beetle size (length) or ecological preferences. Larger species tended towards isodiametric patterns, while more of the smaller species showed a transverse or effaced pattern. There was no indication that preferences for dry or moist habitat were linked to microsculpture type, which had been suggested in the literature.

Keywords: Carabidae; Coleoptera; elytra; epicuticle; iridescence

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1479-8298.2007.00229.x

Publication date: 2007-12-01