Family: Ptilodactylidae
Subfamily: Ptilodactylinae
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.
