Biphyllidae

Definition

A family of small beetles (Coleoptera: Cleroidea) commonly known as false skin beetles, characterized by a cosmopolitan distribution and mycophagous habits. Adults and larvae inhabit concealed microhabitats—primarily under bark of dead wood and in leaf litter—where they feed on fungal hyphae and spores. The family comprises approximately 195 described species.

Etymology

From Greek 'bi-' (two) + 'phyllon' (leaf), possibly alluding to paired or divided structures; suffix '-idae' denotes family rank.

Example

Diplocoelus species, found in decaying hardwood logs across North America, are representative Biphyllidae that complete their entire life cycle within fungal-rich subcortical galleries.

Synonyms

• False skin beetles

Related Terms

• Cleroidea
• Colydiinae
• mycophagy
• saproxylic
• subcortical habitat
• Cucujiformia

Usage Notes

Distinguished from true skin beetles (Dermestidae) by habitat preference and phylogenetic placement; both families were historically confused due to convergent body forms. The family is rarely encountered in general collecting but is reliably sampled by sifting decaying wood and leaf litter. Some classifications have placed Biphyllidae within Cucujoidea, but current consensus (based on molecular and larval morphology data) supports Cleroidea. Species identification typically requires examination of male genitalia and fine details of antennal club structure.