Length: 4-6 mm Members of this genus are often attracted to
lights, and may also be found on the flowers or leaves of plants
growing near water. The male (pictured) has improbably
pectinate, or comb-like antennae. Presumably these are used to
hone in on pheromones released by the female. Female members of
this genus have serrate antennae. The Toed-Winged Beetle family
is a small one, and in northeastern North America there is only
one other genus, Anchytarsus. Unlike Ptilodactyla, however,
members of the genus Anchytarsus have neither serrate nor
pectinate antennae. For ones peace of mind, it is probably a
good idea to refrain from trying to identify members of this
genus to species. For that you would need a stereomicroscope, a
dissecting kit, a large entomological library, and considerable
patience. Right: Another male of the genus Ptilodactyla. Note:
This page is both the Ptilodactyla sp. page, and the family page
for Ptilodactylidae. Insects of West Virginia