Microlia cayaponia, a new pollen-feeder species from Brazil (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Hoplandriini) and its potential competitionin pollinator activity in Cayaponia plants (Cucurbitaceae)

Zootaxa. 2023 Apr 14;5264(3):405-417. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5264.3.8.

Abstract

Microlia Casey is a genus of small rove beetles from the New World and Australasia. Many species are recorded to be associated with the flowers of Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, and Monimiaceae. In this work, a new species from Brazil associated with flowers of Cayaponia (Cucurbitaceae), Microlia cayaponia Zilberman & Pires-Silva sp. nov., is described and illustrated. Aspects of its natural history are also investigated, with insights on foraging, reproduction, and the supposed impact on the plant and pollinator's fitness.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Coleoptera*
  • Cucurbitaceae*
  • Pollen
  • Reproduction