A Phlaeopterus specimen.

Logan Mullen is undertaking a taxonomic revision of the rove beetle genus Phlaeopterus for his M.S. thesis at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is in need of specimens of this genus and of closely related taxa. He is especially seeking freshly collected material to use for DNA extraction, but specimen loans or donations of any kind are greatly appreciated. You may contact him with any questions at: ljmullen2@alaska.edu or (507) 475-0732.
Distribution: northwestern U.S. and Canada, rocky mountain and pacific coast states and provinces, into southeast and central Alaska.
Identification: reddish-brown, brown, or black. Pair of ocelli (with some exceptions), 3-9mm in length, truncated elytra longer than that of a typical rove beetle.
Collection: by hand or pitfall traps at edges of snowfields, streams, and lakes. Often alpine. Under rocks, in moist moss and other detritus. Can be found foraging for windblown insects on snowfield surface.
Preservation: vials of 95-100% ethyl-alcohol, stored in freezer soon after collecting if possible.

Logan’s original materials request flyer is available as a pdf here.