Cantharoidea

Definition

A deprecated superfamily of beetles (order Coleoptera), formerly grouping families of soft-bodied beetles including soldier beetles (Cantharidae), fireflies (Lampyridae), and glow-worms (Phengodidae). Molecular phylogenetics demonstrated that Cantharoidea was polyphyletic or paraphyletic relative to Elateroidea, leading to its dissolution. Former constituent families are now distributed primarily within the revised superfamily Elateroidea (e.g., Cantharidae, Lampyridae, Phengodidae, Lycidae, Omethidae) or, in the case of Cneoglossidae, within Byrrhoidea. The families Drilidae and Omalisidae have been subsumed into Elateridae.

Etymology

From Greek kantharos (a type of beetle or cup), with suffix -oidea denoting superfamily rank

Example

The soldier beetle Chauliognathus pensylvanicus, once classified within Cantharoidea, is now placed in Elateroidea alongside click beetles and fireflies.

Related Terms

• Elateroidea
• Polyphaga
• Cantharidae
• Lampyridae
• Elateridae
• paraphyly
• superfamily

Usage Notes

Cantharoidea persists in older literature and some regional taxonomic traditions but should be avoided in current scientific writing. When encountered historically, readers should consult modern phylogenetic revisions to locate former members within Elateroidea. The term is not interchangeable with Cantharidae (the family of soldier beetles).