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Observations on the tunnel morphology of Heterocerus brunneus Melsheimer (Coleoptera: Heteroceridae) and its paleoecological significance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 May 2016

George R. Clark II  and
Brett C. Ratcliffe
George R. Clark II
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
Brett C. Ratcliffe
Affiliation:
Division of Entomology, University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln 68588
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Abstract

The burrow structures of Heterocerus brunneus Melsheimer and its larvae are described from both field (northeastern Kansas) and laboratory habitats. These are further interpreted in light of known North American heterocerid biology. Two important observations are that significant features of any one burrow varied with the consistency (especially the water content) of the substrate, and that different insects were making superficially similar burrows at the same field site. It would require exceptional preservation, or associated body parts, to positively identify fossil traces of these structures as heterocerid burrows, but their general pattern should be readily recognized as foraging traces in even the most degraded preservations.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 63 , Issue 2 , March 1989 , pp. 228 - 232
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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