Flat bark beetles

Definition

A family of beetles (Cucujidae) characterized by strongly dorsoventrally flattened bodies adapted for living in the narrow spaces beneath bark of dead or dying trees. Adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on other subcortical insects including the larvae of wood-boring beetles.

Etymology

Descriptive compound: flat (referring to body shape) + bark (habitat) + beetles (common name for Coleoptera)

Example

The red flat bark beetle (Cucujus clavipes) is frequently found under the bark of dead conifers in North American forests, where it preys on larvae of bark beetles.

Synonyms

• Cucujidae

Related Terms

• subcortical
• bark beetle
• Silvanidae
• Passandridae
• Coleoptera
• saproxylic

Usage Notes

Primarily refers to family Cucujidae, though the phrase is occasionally applied more broadly to other flattened beetle families with similar habits (e.g., some Silvanidae and Passandridae). Specialists reserve the term for Cucujidae unless qualified. The family's flattened morphology is an adaptation for moving through tight spaces under bark; this distinguishes them from cylindrical bark beetles (Scolytinae) despite shared habitat.