Aderidae

Csiki, 1909

ant-like leaf beetles

Tribe Guides

is a of small beetles commonly known as -like due to their resemblance to ants. The family contains approximately 1,000 in about 40–50 , with greatest diversity in tropical regions but worldwide distribution. are typically found on the undersides of leaves, while larvae inhabit rotting wood, leaf litter, and occasionally the nests of other insects. The oldest confirmed fossil member, Gryzmalia, dates to the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber.

Cedraderus by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Elonus nebulosus by (c) Adrienne van den Beemt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adrienne van den Beemt. Used under a CC-BY license.

Elonus nebulosus by (c) Mark Richman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Richman. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aderidae: //əˈdɛrɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the related Anthicidae by the end of the pronotum, which is not as narrowly constricted. The combination of a neck-like constriction, hairy , and abdominal sternites separates from most other small families. -like body form may cause confusion with actual ants (Hymenoptera) or other ant-mimicking beetles.

Images

Appearance

Small beetles measuring 1–4 mm in length. The is constricted just to the pronotum, forming a distinct neck. are hairy with a surface texture. The first two abdominal sternites are , with a visible only in some groups. Overall body form mimics that of ants.

Habitat

occur primarily on the undersides of leaves of shrubs and trees. Larvae develop in rotting wood, leaf litter, and the nests of other insects. Some are termitophilous, living within colonies.

Distribution

Worldwide in distribution, with highest in tropical regions. Documented from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Specific regional records include Colombia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the eastern United States.

Host Associations

termites - -associatedAt least some are termitophilous, with larvae integrated into society and participating in trophallactic feeding

AnthicidaeRelated with similar -like appearance; distinguished by more pronounced pronotal constriction
FormicidaeActual ants; are beetles with hardened forewings () and different antennal structure

More Details

Taxonomic history

The last world catalog of the was published by Maurice Pic in 1910 as of 2002.

Fossil record

The oldest confirmed member is Gryzmalia from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber of Myanmar.