Most oxytelines can be recognized by their abdomens, which have seven fully developed sternites rather than the usual six (Fig. 1.11.1). The small tribes Euphaniini and Coprophilini do not have seven sternites but, fortunately, the genera of these two tribes are distinctive in habitus (Figs 1.11.2, 1.11.3, 9.10.1). Mitosynum vockerothi Campbell is not illustrated in this paper but has only been collected once at the margin of a sphagnum bog in New Brunswick (Campbell 1982) and will key out with Euphaniini: Syntomium Curtis.

The Oxytelinae is widely distributed in North America.  Species of Bledius Leach, the largest genus of Oxytelinae and the only members of tribe Blediini in ECAS (Makranczy 2006) burrow in sun-exposed, non-vegetated freshwater and marine shorelines where they graze upon algae scraped from particles of substrate (Herman 1986) (Fig. 9.10.3). Females of some Bledius species provision for their larvae in these burrows (Wyatt 1986).  Bledius are easily found by locating their small burrows and scooping the surrounding substrate into a pail of water; the beetle will then float to the surface.  

The tribe Oxytelini contains most ECAS oxytelines (tribe Thinobiini is treated here as part of Oxytelini sensu Makranczy 2006) which are generally associated with decaying organic matter, leaf litter and moss. The genus Thinodromus Kraatz can be sifted from the litter around streams, rivers, and ponds (Fig. 9.10.2). Anotylus Thomson is a diverse genus in ECAS, with at least five species introduced from Europe and Asia (Fig. 9.10.4). Apocellus Erichson has a distinctive habitus and can be found in open grassy areas and along streams near moss (Fig. 9.10.5). Oxytelinae, in general, are best collected by bait trapping with dung, carrion, and compost, UV lighting, and sifting wet litter along riparian areas. This subfamily contains species of predators, algivores, and coprophages; some are probably saprophages or highly opportunistic omnivores.