Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle (Texamaurops
reddelli)
- Texas Status
- Endangered
- U.S. Status
- Endangered, Listed 9/16/1988
- Description
- The Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle has short wings and long legs. It is dark brown and has no eyes. It is less than 1/8 inch in length (3 millimeters).
- Life History
- This mold beetle is found in total darkness under and among rocks and organic debris and buried in silt. Its food preferences are unknown. Kretschmarr Cave mold beetles do not have distinct seasonal reproductive cycles. Its population numbers are unknown.
- Habitat
- Kretschmarr Cave mold beetles live under and among rocks or buried in silt.
- Distribution
- It is found in the Edwards Plateau, Travis County, Texas.
- Other
- The primary threat to the Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle and other endangered cave invertebrates is the loss of habitat due to urban development. Many caves have been paved over or filled in. Other caves have been altered so that they no longer provide the stable temperatures and high humidity needed to support these animals. Contamination by pollutants is also a threat to their survival.
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