Myxophaga

Definition

A suborder of Coleoptera comprising approximately 65 species of small to minute aquatic and semiaquatic beetles in four families: Hydroscaphidae (skiff beetles), Lepiceridae, Sphaeriusidae, and Torridincolidae. Members feed primarily on algae and are characterized by reduced wing venation and compact body plans adapted to interstitial and surface-water habitats.

Etymology

From Greek myxa (mucus, slime) + phagos (eating), referring to their diet of algae and associated mucilaginous biofilms.

Example

The skiff beetle Hydroscapha natans (family Hydroscaphidae) is a representative myxophagan found in thin water films on rocks in flowing streams, where it grazes on diatomaceous algae.

Related Terms

• Coleoptera
• Archostemata
• Adephaga
• Polyphaga
• Hydroscaphidae
• algal grazing
• interstitial fauna

Usage Notes

Myxophaga is the second-smallest beetle suborder by species count, after Archostemata. It is one of the four traditionally recognized suborders of Coleoptera, though phylogenetic relationships among suborders remain actively studied. The group is sometimes overlooked in general entomology due to its small size and cryptic habitat, but it is significant for understanding early beetle diversification and aquatic adaptations. Contrast with the much larger suborders Adephaga and Polyphaga, which dominate terrestrial and predatory beetle diversity.