Leptinus testaceus Muller, P.W.J., 1817
	Formerly accorded family status as our only member of the Leptinidae, Leptinus is now included in the Leiodidae and is the only British member of the Platypsyllinae Ritsema. Worldwide thirteen species are known and all are associated with mammals although in the genus Leptinus (9 spp) the host relationship is weak and not species specific (Hurka). Our species is widespread although local throughout England and Wales and a single southern Scottish record is a included on the NBN map (July 2008). Joy lists the species as rare while Fowler lists widespread records and acknowledges it as being rare in Scotland (Clyde and Forth districts). The general association with the nests of other animals has long been recognised eg Jow states 'in or near the nests of mice or bumble bees' while Fowler includes bird's nests, on small rodents, in the nest of Bombi (bees) and very rarely in nests of the ant Formica fuliginosa, but they also occur more generally eg among leaf litter, rotten wood mould or among old ivy and also in guano in caves. The species is presumed to feed on various organic matter with development occuring in underground mammal nests (Hurka). Included on our Watford list from two specimens found in a town centre garden. After lifting a length of wood to expose a nest of the ant Lasius niger (L.) a single adult beetle was observed crawling slowly along one of the runs, seemingly being ignored by the many ants running past in both directions (June 2008). This nest has been left carefully intact and examined on a monthly basis since (to June 2009) but no further beetles have been found. During October that same year a further adult was found among debris sieved from rotting grass cuttings removed from beneath a shrub some eight metres from the previous find. A careful examination of the garden revealed no mammals or bird nests bt Bombus terrestris was found to be nesting about two metres from the second find. 1.5-2mm. Of a distinctive and unique appearance. Entirely light to dark testaceous, Elytra sometimes darker than forebody. Upper surface rather shiny with fine puncturation and dense very fine recumbent pale or golden pubescence. Antennae relatively long; two basal segments much longer than others, 7 elongate and so contrasting against the short and transverse eighth segment, 9-11 forming a gradual club. Side margin of head expanded apically to a sharp point, when the head is retracted the anterior margin of this projection forms a continuous edge with the anterior margin of the pronotum. Eyes absent or barely suggested. Pronotum convex with lateral margins rounded to slightly obtuse front angles (not visible from above). Hind margin arcuate to backwardly projecting acute hind angles. Scutellum large, broadly triangular. Elytra slightly narrower than and about twice the length of the pronotum, sides weakly curved, subparallel. There may be a trace of an impressed stria alongside the suture, side maragins bordered. Legs relatively long, femora broad and robust, tibiae with a few fine spines on outside edge. Tarsi 5-5-5, long and slender Description from 2 Watford specimens at X40
Lasius niger
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