Passandridae

Common Name

Parasitic Flat Bark Beetles

Overview

The family Passandridae consists of beetles commonly referred to as parasitic flat bark beetles. They are primarily found in tropical regions and exhibit unique parasitic behavior, with larvae that prey on wood-boring insects.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Elongate, flattened bodies
  • Typically dark-colored, ranging from brown to black
  • Adults usually ranging from 2mm to 15mm in size
  • Well-developed mandibles
  • Antennae with a distinct clubbed or serrate structure

Life Cycle

  • Egg : Deposited in crevices of wood or bark.
  • Larvae : Parasitic in nature; attack wood-boring beetle larvae.
  • Pupae : Develop within the host or nearby wood.
  • Adult : Emerge from wood to find mates and lay eggs.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Mainly parasitic on larvae of other beetles, especially those from families like Cerambycidae and Buprestidae.
  • Adults are often found under tree bark.
  • Play a significant role in controlling the population of wood-boring pests.

Notable Species

  • Catogenus rufus : Commonly found in North America, it parasitizes wood-boring beetles.
  • Tarsostenus univittatus : Found globally, also exhibits parasitic behavior on wood-borers.

Conservation

  • Not generally considered at risk.
  • Species-specific threats mainly include habitat destruction and climate change.

Significance to Humans

  • Beneficial in controlling populations of wood-boring pests which can damage timber and live trees.
  • Lesser-known compared to other biological control agents but play a crucial role in forest ecosystems.

Fun Facts

  • Diversity : There are around 100 known species of parasitic flat bark beetles.
  • Ancient Lineage : Fossil records of Cucujoidea, the superfamily Passandridae belongs to, date back to the Early Cretaceous period.
  • Silent Hunters : Larvae are highly specialized predators of hidden wood-boring beetle larvae, making them natural pest control agents.
  • Global Reach : While predominantly tropical, some species are distributed across temperate regions too.
  • Specialized Diet : Larvae are obligate parasites, usually unable to survive without their wood-boring beetle hosts.