Omalorphanus aenigma is a species of beetle of the Staphylinidae family, Omaliinae subfamily. It is the only species of the genus Omalorphanus. The species was described by J.M. Campbell and D.S. Chandler in 1987 from the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest at elevations of 3,500 feet (1,100 m) to 4,000 feet (1,200 m). It was described by them as unusual for its number of unusual morphological features, which made the placement of the species difficult.[1]
| Omalorphanus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Staphylinidae |
| Subfamily: | Omaliinae |
| Tribe: | Anthophagini |
| Genus: | Omalorphanus Campbell & Chandler, 1987 |
| Species: | O. aenigma
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| Binomial name | |
| Omalorphanus aenigma Campbell & Chandler, 1987
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Taxonomy
editOmalorphanus was assigned to the subfamily Omaliinae for its "unique and complex omaliine-type defense gland (a gland that by that by emitting an offensive secretion or vapor serves to repel enemies) on sternite 8" and for the distinct spiracles on tergites 2–6. These characteristics limited the genus to the subfamilies Omaliinae, Microsilphinae and Empelinae. According to Campbell and Chandler, the Microsilphinae consisted of 3 genera from the southern hemisphere and was also considered to be a tribe of Omaliinae, while Empelinae was a monotypic subfamily, only consisting of one genera and species which was unknown to them.[2]
References
edit- ^ Campbell, J.; Chandler, D. (1987). "Omalorphanus aenigma, an unusual new genus and species of Omaliinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Oregon". Canadian Entomologist. 119 (4): 315–327. doi:10.4039/Ent119315-4.
- ^ "Omalorphanus Campbell & Chandler, 1987". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
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