Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera (beetles)
- Family: Jacobsoniidae
- Genus: Derolathrus
- Species: Derolathrus ceylonicus
Authority
The original description of Derolathrus ceylonicus is recorded in taxonomic literature, but the specific author and year are not consistently cited across major databases. Consequently, the precise authority citation is unavailable in the consulted sources.
Description
Derolathrus species are minute beetles, typically measuring less than 2 mm in length. Members of the family Jacobsoniidae possess elongated bodies, reduced elytra, and well‑developed antennae. Detailed morphological characteristics of D. ceylonicus (e.g., coloration, genitalia structure) have not been widely published, and the species is primarily known from taxonomic listings rather than comprehensive morphological studies.
Distribution
The species epithet “ceylonicus” indicates an association with Ceylon, the former name of Sri Lanka. Records in global biodiversity databases (e.g., GBIF, Catalogue of Life) list Derolathrus ceylonicus as occurring in Sri Lanka. No verified occurrences outside this region have been documented.
Habitat and Ecology
Information on the specific habitat preferences and ecological role of D. ceylonicus is limited. Jacobsoniidae beetles are generally found in leaf litter, under bark, or in decaying wood, where they are presumed to feed on fungal spores or detritus. It is plausible that D. ceylonicus occupies similar microhabitats, but targeted ecological studies are lacking.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of Derolathrus ceylonicus has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or national red‑list programs. Given the scarcity of data on its population size, distribution breadth, and ecological requirements, its vulnerability cannot be accurately determined.
Research Notes
- The species appears in taxonomic checklists and museum specimen records, confirming its recognition within the scientific community.
- No peer‑reviewed publications provide detailed behavioral, physiological, or genetic data for D. ceylonicus.
- Further field surveys and taxonomic revisions are needed to clarify its morphology, life history, and potential conservation concerns.
References
- GBIF.org (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). Derolathrus ceylonicus occurrence data.
- Catalogue of Life. Annual checklist entries for the family Jacobsoniidae.
Note: The above information reflects the current extent of verified encyclopedic sources. Where specifics are lacking, the entry acknowledges the insufficiency of detailed data.