Lathridiidae

Definition

A family of minute beetles (order Coleoptera), treated in modern taxonomy as a synonym of Latridiidae, the plaster beetles or minute brown scavenger beetles. These beetles are characterized by their small size (typically 1–3 mm), compact bodies, and association with mold, fungi, and decaying organic matter in damp environments. The family name Lathridiidae (LeConte, 1861) has been suppressed in favor of Latridiidae (Erichson, 1842) under priority rules, though both forms persist in literature.

Etymology

From Greek lathrios (hidden, secret) + -idae (family suffix), referring to their cryptic habits in concealed microhabitats.

Example

Specimens collected from water-damaged drywall in a Florida home were initially identified as Lathridiidae but are now catalogued under Latridiidae, reflecting the priority of Erichson's 1842 family-group name over LeConte's 1861 Lathridiidae.

Synonyms

• Latridiidae

Related Terms

• Latridiidae
• Coleoptera
• plaster beetle
• mycophagous
• synonymy
• family-group name

Usage Notes

Lathridiidae is an invalid/ suppressed family name under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; current usage requires Latridiidae. The spelling variation reflects 19th-century taxonomic debates: Erichson established Latridiidae in 1842, while LeConte proposed Lathridiidae in 1861. Modern databases (GBIF, EOL) treat Lathridiidae as a synonym entry pointing to Latridiidae. Specialists encountering Lathridiidae in older literature should verify current nomenclature, as species-level concepts remain valid but family placement follows Latridiidae.