Taxonomy and ecology of oxytelinae (coleoptera: staphylinidae) in north malabar

Abstract

Oxytelinae Fleming, 1821, is a subfamily of Staphylinidae, characterized by elongated bodies and distinctive morphological features. Members of this subfamily are widely distributed throughout the world (Herman, 1970). The taxonomic understanding of Oxytelinae in India, especially in Kerala, remains inadequate compared to research in other countries. Indian taxonomy of Oxytelinae is mainly based on the works of Cameron (1930) - the Fauna of British India. These works mainly concentrated on north and northeast India. Only 8 species have been identified in Kerala. There is a considerable research gap regarding the distribution and systematic classification of Oxytelinae beetles in the North Malabar region. Therefore, the present study provides valuable baseline information to support future taxonomic, ecological and conservation research. Despite their ecological significance, the ecology of Oxytelinae beetles in India remains poorly understood, highlighting a substantial gap in current knowledge. To address this knowledge gap, the present study aimed to document the diversity, abundance, and seasonal occurrence of Oxytelinae beetles in selected forest and agricultural ecosystems in North Malabar, Kerala. Sampling was carried out in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Periya Reserve Forest, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badiyadukka Agricultural Field, and Ezhome Paddy Field during both rainy and non-rainy seasons. A total of 31 species of Oxytelinae beetles, belonging to three tribes and seven genera, were documented from North Malabar, Kerala, revealing the rich diversity of this subfamily in the region. Among these, four species were recorded for the first time from India, nine species were newly reported from South India, and three species were newly reported from Kerala, highlighting the taxonomic significance of the study. A comprehensive checklist, modified taxonomic keys, and a pictorial key for the identification of Oxytelinae beetles from forest and agricultural ecosystems are provided. The diversity, abundance, and seasonality of dung-associated Oxytelinae beetles were also analysed. High diversity was found in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. Significant seasonal variations in species composition and abundance were observed in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and the Badiyadukka Agricultural Field. Anotylus latiusculus was the most abundant species in both forest and agricultural ecosystems.