Cucujidae

Latreille, 1802

flat bark beetles

Genus Guides

Cucujus(flat bark beetles)
Pediacus

The are a of beetles characterized by strongly flattened bodies adapted for living under bark. The family contains approximately 70 in five , distributed worldwide except Africa and Antarctica. Members are primarily found in subcortical on dead trees, where both larvae and are predatory. Some species exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations, including extreme freezing in arctic .

Cucujus clavipes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Cucujus clavipes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cucujidae: //kʊˈkuː.dʒɪˌdiː//

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

Identification

Distinctively flattened, elongate parallel-sided bodies ranging from 6 to 25 mm in length. Triangular with large . to with 11 antennomeres. Pronotum narrower than head. Coloration variable: most brown, some black, reddish, or yellow. The extreme body flattening separates them from most other found under bark.

Images

Habitat

Under bark of dead trees in forested areas. Associated with subcortical microhabitats. Some colonize isolated where sufficient deadwood is present.

Distribution

Worldwide except Africa and Antarctica. show distinct regional patterns: Cucujus (Holarctic), Palaestes (Neotropical), Pediacus (Holarctic extending to Neotropics and Australia), Platisus (Australia and New Zealand), Thesaurus (South America).

Diet

Predatory on other subcortical insects. Cucujus feed on pupae and larvae of other insects and on other beetles under bark.

Behavior

Both larvae and live under bark. Some capable of colonizing isolated from persisting local when suitable deadwood is available. Arctic populations of Cucujus clavipes puniceus desiccate to 30–40% body water in winter and use anti-freeze proteins for cold .

Ecological Role

Beneficial that may help control of tree-damaging beetles that spread fungal , thereby contributing to tree health.

Similar Taxa

LaemophloeidaeFormerly treated as Laemophloeinae within , but now elevated to status; historically confused with Cucujidae
SilvanidaeFormerly treated as Silvaninae within ; revisions separated these groups
PassandridaeFormerly included within as Passandrinae; now recognized as distinct