Bostrichidae

Definition

A family of beetles (Coleoptera) containing more than 700 described species, commonly known as auger beetles, false powderpost beetles, or horned powderpost beetles. Members are characterized by cylindrical bodies, often with pronounced mandibles or horns in males, and are primarily wood-borers in larval and adult stages. The family includes several subfamilies formerly treated as separate families, notably Lyctinae (true powderpost beetles). Economically significant as pests of seasoned timber, bamboo, and wooden structures.

Etymology

From Bostrichus (type genus, from Greek bostrychos 'curl of hair') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The auger beetle Dinoderus minutus (Bostrichidae) is a major pest of bamboo products and stored cassava, while species in the subfamily Lyctinae can reduce hardwood furniture to fine powder through larval tunneling.

Synonyms

• auger beetles
• false powderpost beetles
• horn-borer beetles

Related Terms

• Lyctinae
• Coleoptera
• wood-borer
• powderpost beetle
• Bostrichoidea
• Dinoderus
• Bostrichus
• xylophagy
• stored-product entomology

Usage Notes

The family Bostrichidae has undergone substantial taxonomic revision; the subfamily Lyctinae (true powderpost beetles) was formerly treated as the separate family Lyctidae. In pest management contexts, 'powderpost beetle' may refer specifically to Lyctinae or broadly to any bostrichid that produces fine frass. Distinguish from Anobiidae (deathwatch beetles) and Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), which also bore wood but differ in frass characteristics and gallery patterns.