False flower beetles

Definition

A common name for beetles of the family Scraptiidae, small to medium-sized insects typically found on flowers or decaying vegetation. Despite their name, they are not closely related to true flower beetles (family Melyridae) and are instead classified within the superfamily Tenebrionoidea. Adults often have elongated bodies with slightly clubbed antennae and are frequently encountered on umbelliferous flowers or under bark.

Etymology

English common name; 'false' distinguishes them from the unrelated true flower beetles (Melyridae) based on convergent habitat use rather than phylogenetic relationship.

Example

Anisaspis stercoraria, a widespread European false flower beetle, is commonly found feeding on pollen in Apiaceae flowers during summer months.

Synonyms

• Scraptiidae

Related Terms

• flower beetles
• Tenebrionoidea
• Melyridae
• Sap beetles
• pollen feeding

Usage Notes

The common name reflects ecological resemblance rather than taxonomic affinity; specialists prefer the family name Scraptiidae to avoid confusion with Melyridae. The family is sometimes grouped with 'broad-hipped flower beetles' in older literature, though this term more properly applies to other groups.