The Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle (Texamaurops reddelli) is a small, reddish-brown beetle with short wings and long legs. It is part of the Pselaphid family, whose members are believed to be predators and are generally found under stones and logs. They are also found in rotting wood, moss, ant and termite nests and caves. The term mold beetle refers to an old definition of mold as rotting plant material.

The karst habitats where this species lives, and the ecosystems on which it depends, have evolved slowly over millions of years and cannot be recreated once they have been destroyed. Thus, the conservation and recovery of the Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle depends upon the long-term management and protection of the surface and subsurface habitat where it occurs. We are working with private landowners and local, city, and county governments to identify, preserve, and manage these areas.