False skin beetles

Definition

A family of small beetles (Biphyllidae) in the superfamily Cleroidea, so named for their superficial resemblance to skin beetles (Dermestidae). Adults and larvae are mycophagous, typically found under bark of dead trees and in leaf litter where they feed on fungal hyphae and spores. The family contains approximately 195 described species with cosmopolitan distribution.

Etymology

From 'false' (resembling but distinct from) + 'skin beetles' (referring to Dermestidae, with which they share a somewhat similar compact, oval body form and setose appearance).

Example

The false skin beetle genus Diplocoelus is frequently collected in fungal sporocarps and under decaying bark in temperate forests.

Synonyms

• Biphyllidae

Related Terms

• Cleroidea
• Dermestidae
• Skin beetles
• mycophagy
• saproxylic beetles

Usage Notes

The common name emphasizes morphological convergence with Dermestidae rather than close relationship; specialists generally prefer the family name Biphyllidae. The group was historically classified within Cucujoidea but is now firmly placed in Cleroidea based on larval and adult morphology.