Lined flat bark beetles

Definition

A family of small beetles (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies, distinct ridged or grooved margins on the head and pronotum, and inverted male genitalia. Adults range 1–5 mm in length and occur on all continents except Antarctica, with highest diversity in tropical regions. The common name refers to the linear body sculpturing and their habit of living under bark.

Etymology

From the characteristic longitudinal ridges or lines on the head and pronotal disc, combined with the dorsoventrally flattened body form and bark-associated habitat.

Example

Cryptolestes ferrugineus, a stored-product pest species in this family, infests grain and cereal products despite most lined flat bark beetles being primarily found under tree bark in natural habitats.

Synonyms

• Laemophloeidae

Related Terms

• Cucujoidea
• Cucujidae
• Passandridae
• Silvanidae
• Colydiidae
• bark beetle
• stored-product pest
• cryptic habitus
• dorsoventral compression

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to family Laemophloeidae, not to be confused with Scolytinae (true bark beetles, a subfamily of Curculionidae). The family is sometimes overlooked due to its small size and cryptic habitat. 'Flat bark beetle' alone may ambiguously refer to several Cucujoidea families with similar body plans.