Canopidae

Definition

A small family of Neotropical true bugs (Hemiptera) containing the single genus Canopus. Members are minute, strongly convex, and ladybird beetle-like in form, with the scutellum enlarged to completely cover the abdomen and wings; they are thought to be fungus feeders.

Etymology

From the type genus Canopus, itself named after Canopus, the brightest star in the constellation Carina.

Example

Canopidae are rarely collected due to their small size and cryptic habits, with specimens often found in leaf litter and fungal substrates in Central and South American forests.

Related Terms

• Canopus (insect)
• Hemiptera
• scutellum
• Neotropical region
• Fungivory
• Cryptocercidae

Usage Notes

Family rank is confirmed by GBIF and other taxonomic databases; monogeneric, with all species placed in Canopus. The greatly enlarged scutellum is diagnostic and distinguishes Canopidae from similarly convex coccinellid beetles. Not to be confused with Canopidae, a family of marine gastropods (now synonymized with Canopidae in Mollusca, but the insect family is valid and distinct).