Monotomidae

Definition

A family of small beetles in the superfamily Cucujoidea, comprising approximately 240 species in 33 genera distributed worldwide. Members exhibit diverse ecological habits: many are mycophagous, feeding on ascomycete fungi; some occur under bark, in decaying vegetation, or on flowers; and certain genera such as Rhyzophagus are predatory on bark beetles (Scolytinae) and possibly phorid fly larvae. The family is taxonomically placed within the order Coleoptera.

Etymology

Example

Larvae of some Monotomidae species feed on fungal fruiting bodies in decaying wood, while adult Rhyzophagus species actively prey on bark beetle broods in conifer galleries.

Related Terms

• Cucujoidea
• Coleoptera
• mycophagy
• bark beetle
• Scolytinae
• sap beetle
• Cryptophagidae

Usage Notes

The family shows considerable ecological diversity; identification to genus often requires examination of antennal structure and abdominal ventrites. Some members are associated with ant nests (myrmecophily), though this habit is less well documented than mycophagy.