Monotomidae

Laporte, 1840

Minute Clubbed Beetles

Subfamily Guides

2

is a of small beetles in the superfamily Nitiduloidea, containing approximately 240 in 33 . The family exhibits diverse ecological habits: members occur under tree bark, in decaying vegetation, on flowers, and in nests. Some species are mycophagous, feeding on ascomycete fungi, while others are predatory. The genus Rhizophagus includes species that prey on bark beetles and their stages.

Phyconomus by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Rhizophagus brunneus by (c) Bennett Grappone, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bennett Grappone. Used under a CC-BY license.Rhizophagus grouvellei by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Monotomidae: //mɒnəˈtɒmɪdiː//

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Habitat

Members of this occupy diverse microhabitats including: under tree bark, in decaying vegetation, on flowers, and within nests. The Rhizophagus is specifically associated with low-altitude pine forests.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution. Recorded from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France), North America (United States, including Vermont), and Asia (China, Myanmar, Lebanon, Spain). Fossil are known from Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits in China, Myanmar, Lebanon, and Spain.

Seasonality

Rhizophagus atticus shows highest activity in August. No -wide seasonality pattern established.

Diet

Ecologically diverse. Some are mycophagous, feeding on fruiting bodies of ascomycete fungi. Rhizophagus species are on bark beetles (, larvae, and young ) and possibly Phoridae larvae. Larvae of some species are mycophagous. Monotoma testacea has been successfully reared on baker's yeast in laboratory conditions.

Life Cycle

Complete . For Monotoma testacea: stage 5–6 days; first instar larva 2–3 days; second instar larva 3–5 days; third instar larva 2–5 days; immovable 12–13 days; pupa 7–10 days; total development from egg to 34–42 days. First instar larvae possess an arrow- of coarse asperities on the frontal region hypothesized to function as an egg-burster; this structure is absent in older instars.

Ecological Role

Predatory Rhizophagus may function as agents of bark beetles. Mycophagous members contribute to fungal decomposition processes.

Human Relevance

Rhizophagus are monitored in pinewood management programs. Some species have been used in laboratory studies as model organisms for developmental .

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