Xantholinini may be easily recognized among the Staphylininae by their slender, linear habitus (Fig.10.8.2), thin neck (Fig.2.1.2), overlapping elytra (Fig.2.1.1), elbowed antennae (Fig.10.8.2), and a pair of plates anterior to the prosternum (also in Othiini) (Fig.2.1.2).

This is a poorly collected group that is broadly distributed in North America. Species of Xantholinini generally live within litter or in decaying organic matter and are therefore best collected by sifting different types of litter or debris. Passive methods of collection such as Winkler extractors or Berlese funnels are even more effective as many species adopt a coiled position upon disturbance and remain motionless for a long time (for a detailed account of this behaviour see Yamazaki 2007). Stictolinus flavipes (LeConte) (Fig. 10.8.1) and Lithocharodes longicollis (LeConte) (Fig. 10.8.2) are both commonly collected in various types of litter using these passive techniques. In contrast, species associated with livestock or compost are more active and are easily collected in great numbers using an aspirator or soft forceps. Two such species include the introduced Gyrohypnus fracticornis (O.F. Müller) (Fig. 10.8.3) and Gauropterus fulgidus (Fab.) (Fig. 10.8.4). Peeling the bark of conifer or beech trees will usually yield individuals of the native Nudobius cephalus (Say) (Fig. 10.8.5). Some species including Oxybleptes kiteleyi Smetana have only be captured in small numbers by using flight intercept or pan traps in open areas with large trees (Fig. 10.8.6). The biology of these and most Xantholinini remains very poorly known. The species were revised by Smetana (1982) and will be reviewed in an upcoming publication.