Monotomidae
- Pronunciation
- /MON-uh-TOM-ih-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Monotomid
- Plural
- Monotomids
Definition
A family of small, slender-bodied beetles often found in leaf litter and under bark. They are not usually brightly colored and are considered a relatively primitive group within the beetle order Coleoptera.
Etymology
The name Monotomidae is derived from Greek words meaning 'single' (monos) and 'cut' (tomos), likely referring to their distinctive body shapes or divisions.
Example
Monotomid beetles are often found in leaf litter and under bark.