Cupedidae
- Pronunciation
- /kyoo-puh-DIE-uh-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Cupedidae
Definition
A of (order ) characterized by distinctive reticulate bearing a square pattern of fenestrae—clear, window-like cuticular areas that create a net-like or lattice appearance. Members of this family are among the most basal living beetles, retaining plesiomorphic traits such as mouthparts and relatively soft bodies compared to derived beetle lineages. The family is small and relictual, with most found in the Southern Hemisphere.
Full guide
Read the full Cupedidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.
Etymology
Example
Cupedidae larvae bore into dead wood or dry plant stems, with of such as Cupes and Tenomerga often attracted to lights in arid and semi-arid regions.
Synonyms
- reticulated beetles
Related Terms
- Coleoptera
- Archostemata
- elytron
- fenestra
- plesiomorphic
- Prognathous
- Micromalthidae
- Ommatidae
Usage Notes
The 'reticulated ' refers specifically to the windowed elytral pattern diagnostic of this . Cupedidae is sometimes grouped with other relict beetle families (, ) in discussions of basal coleopteran . identification relies heavily on elytral fenestration patterns and antennal structure.