Tefflus is a genus of large, black and flightless Afrotropical ground beetles in the tribe Panagaeini. They are broadly similar to the Anthiini ('oogpisters'), but are not colourful, and have a six-sided and flattish pronotum. The distinct longitudinal carinae (ridges) on their elytra are separated by two rows of punctures running along the striae (grooves). Males have some segments of the forelegs enlarged.

Tefflus
Tefflus zebulianus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Panagaeinae
Tribe: Panagaeini
Subtribe: Panagaeina
Genus: Tefflus
Leach, 1819
Tefflus meyerlei

They are solitary and mostly nocturnal hunters, that move about at a brisk pace. They have strong mandibles that can inflict a serious bite, and prey on a variety of invertebrates.[1] The last revision of the genus was undertaken in 1946.

Species

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Some 14 to 15 species are native to the Afrotropics:[2]

References

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  1. ^ Morris, Brian (2006). Insects and Human Life. Berg. p. 244. ISBN 9781845209490.
  2. ^ "Tefflus Leach in Samouelle, 1819". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2023-04-08.

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