Central European Coleoptera
Oribatid mites (Central Europe and Caucasus)

I study all beetle groups, but have specialized in the family of Mordellidae. Unfortunately a lot of their species are very hard to identify by photo. Few can be distinguished quite easy, but most need careful examination of their outer morphology. For some genuses a determination without the inspection of the genitalia (mostly the paramers) is almost impossible. Nevertheless here are some tips for taking pictures of Mordellidae, which might help get to the genus level at least:

• get as close as you can: often details on the legs like the number and shaping of several notches on the metatibia or metatarsi are importent for a correct identification.
• show at least dorsal and lateral angle
• if possible, make pictures of the mouthparts as well

When preparing Mordellidae for your collection, it is best to mount them on small cardboard pieces since the ventral side is not that important for identification and this is the best way to secure them from damage during examination or transportation. Make sure to mount them on their ventral side and spread all legs, anntenae and mouthparts so they are visible from different angles. The last pair of legs can be raised up a bit, so it is easier to inspect the notches on the tibia and tarsi. In the genus Mordella the examination of the galea can be a useful help for correct identification. Therefor it can be separated from the head by using a fine forceps, but it should always be kept on the same needle as the specimen.