Mérrendszertl

The mérrendszertl (scientific name: Mérrendszertl nova) is a small beetle belonging to the family Staphylinidae, commonly referred to as rove beetles. It was first described in 1897 by the Austrian entomologist Karl von Hohenberg, who collected specimens in the alpine meadows of the western Carpathians. The species is characterized by its elongated, slightly flattened body measuring 4.5 to 5.2 millimetres in length, a dark greenish-brown pronotum, and a distinctive iridescent blue sheen on the elytra. Its antennae are filiform and segment 11 bears a slight club, a feature that distinguishes it from closely related members of the genus Mérrend.

Habitat and distribution of the mérrendszertl are restricted to limestone outcrops and xeric grasslands. The beetle is usually found under stones and within the leaf litter of grassy slopes at elevations between 1,000 and 1,800 metres. It is most active during the early morning and late afternoon when soil temperatures are optimal. The species is known to be an opportunistic detritivore, feeding on decaying organic matter and small invertebrates, which aids in nutrient recycling in its ecosystem.

Merrendszertl has been subject to limited ecological studies, primarily focusing on its role in soil aeration and nutrient turnover. Studies conducted in 2004 by the Institute of Alpine Biology reported that the beetle’s tunneling behavior increases soil porosity by approximately 3.4%. Conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the European Society for Invertebrate Conservation, although its limited range makes it potentially vulnerable to habitat loss from definitive mining and agricultural development.

Research on the species has also highlighted its use as a bioindicator. The presence of mérendszertl populations correlates with low levels of soil contamination, indicating a relatively undisturbed environment. Ongoing efforts aim to update its distribution mapping and monitor population dynamics in light of climate change impacts on alpine ecosystems.