Crucisternum
# Crucisternum

Crucisternum is a Neotropical genus of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae represented by seven described species known from the Guiana Shield Region.

## Taxonomy

The genus Crucisternum was described for the first time by Girón & Short in 2018.

It belongs in the subfamily Acidocerinae and contains seven described species from Brazil (Minas Gerais, Pará), French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

## Description

Small beetles (2.0–2.5 mm), smooth and shiny dorsally, orange-brown to dark brown in coloration, with long maxillary palps. The most salient characteristic of the genus is the presence of a longitudinal carina on the prosternum, which is accompanied by a cruciform elevation on the mesoventrite. A complete diagnosis was presented by Girón and Short.

## Habitat

According to Girón and Short "All species of the genus are associated with forested streams, usually along margins that contain ample detritus".

## Species

* Crucisternum escalera Girón and Short, 2018
* Crucisternum ouboteri Girón and Short, 2018
* Crucisternum queneyi Girón and Short, 2018
* Crucisternum sinuatus Girón and Short, 2018
* Crucisternum toboganensis Girón and Short, 2018
* Crucisternum vanessae Girón and Short, 2018
* Crucisternum xingu Girón and Short, 2018
