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Type genus. Stereomera Arrow 1905.

Diagnosis. Body flattened, broadly oval; small, less than 3 mm; surface usually covered with scale-like microsetae. Pronotum and elytra modified with unusual patterns of ridges and grooves. Prosternal process projecting caudally, hastate. Apical tibial spurs greatly reduced.

Classification status. In some tribal characters, the Stereomerini are similar to the Rhyparini. Yet, their body shape, pronotal and elytral structures, and body covering are very different. The only reported host for a stereomerine (Termitaxis Krikken) is with termites, another similarity.

Only one New World taxon, Termitaxis holmgreni Krikken, is placed in the tribe Stereomerini. Recent publications which discuss Termitaxis have questioned its tribal placement. However, the unique specimen from which it was described is missing. Additional specimens or study of the missing type will help answer many questions about the tribal placement of Termitaxis.

Distribution. Primarily found in extreme SE-Asia, Indonesia, and Australia. One described genus is reported from Peru.

Composition. Worldwide there are 7 genera and 17 species in the Stereomerini. In the New world, only Termitaxis holmgreni Krikken is known.

New World Genus (click on generic name for information)
Termitaxis Krikken 1970.

References:
Krikken, J. 1970. Termitaxis holmgreni gen. nov., sp. nov., a blind, flightless termitophilous scarab from Peru (Coleoptera: Aphodiidae). Proceedings of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, Ser. C. 73: 469-476.

Authors: Paul E. Skelley
Generated on: 13/MAY/2008.....Last modified: 13/MAY/2008
University of Nebraska State Museum - Division of Entomology