Figure 3.5.1 Tasgius melanarius (Heer), dorsal habitus. 8.3.1 T. melanarius, pronotum. 8.3.2 T. melanarius, base of right antenna. 11.24.1 T. melanarius, from under a composter.

Tasgius melanarius may be distinguished from other Tasgius occurring in ECAS by the combination of the pronotal punctures of subequal size (Fig. 8.3.1), the pronotum widest near the apex (Fig. 8.3.1) and the second antennomere darkened at its base (Fig. 8.3.2). The dense and subequal punctation of the pronotum causes an overall dull appearance (Fig. 3.5.1).

North American specimens of this species were misidentified as T. globulifer until Newton (1987) clarified the matter, and reported that all previous North American records of T. globulifer were actually T. melanarius or T. winkleri (Bernhauer).  Tasgius melanarius has been collected on both east and west coasts and was taken as early as 1935 in Québec. The Québec record is still the oldest known and T. melanarius has since expanded its range in eastern North America. Consequently, T. melanarius is here newly recorded from New York, Vermont, and Maine. Its distribution in ECAS is given by Map 30.

UNITED STATES: ME: Waldo Co., Camden 4mi N, 44.2833 -69.0667, 16 to 17-VII-1987, J.K. Liebherr, 1 (CUIC). NY: Columbia Co., Kinderhook, 42.4 -73.7, 9-VI-1978, N.M. Downie, 1 (FMNH). Essex Co., St. Armand, 44.3969 -74.0594, 6-VII-1999, R. Turnbow, 1 (Turnbow Coll.). Ontario Co., Geneva, 42.8667 -76.9833, 3 to 9 -VII-2002, J. Huether, 1 (Brattain). Suffolk Co., Hauppauge, betw. Wheeler Rd. and N.Y.S. Office Bldg., 40.8 -73.2, 25-III-1975, under bark of dead fallen tree, F.C. Schlauch, 1 (CUIC); Long Island, Caumsett State Park, 40.9333 -73.4667, 21-VIII-1987, under board on beach, A. Newton and M. Thayer, 1 (FMNH); Long Island, East Hampton, 40.9667 -72.1833, 27-VII-1965, A.J. Kistler, 1 (DENH). Tompkins Co., Ithaca Vicinity, 42.4 -76.5, 16-IX-1988, inlet, G.C. Eickwort, 1 (CUIC). Westchester Co., Armonk, 41.1333 -73.7167, 15-VIII-1985, 2 (AMNH). VT: Addison Co., Ferrisburg, Lewis Creek, 44.22 -73.25, 10-IX-1980, J. Leonard, 1 (CUIC). Chittenden Co., Shelburne, Laplatte R. mouth, 44.3833 -73.2333, 20-X-1984, S. Tschupp, 1 (CUIC).

Eastern Canada: ON, QC, NB, NS
Adjacent U.S.: OH, NY, VT, NH, ME

Tasgius melanarius has been collected in ECAS from March to December, with peaks in abundance occurring in May and September.

This species is native to Europe and is found in disturbed woodlands, coastal areas, urban areas and old fields under rocks, boards, litter, loose bark, and logs. It often occurs in yards (Fig. 11.24.1), sometimes falling into swimming pools. In autumn this species, together with T. winkleri, is regularly observed on sidewalks and lawns, likely looking for favorable overwintering sites.