Palmetto beetles

Definition

Common name for beetles of the family Smicripidae (superfamily Cucujoidea), a small group of cucujoid beetles whose adults are typically found on inflorescences—especially of palms (Arecaceae)—and whose larvae inhabit decaying vegetation. The family contains a single extant genus, Smicrips, with six species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.

Etymology

From association with palms (Arecaceae), particularly the palmettos of the southeastern United States and Caribbean, where adults are frequently collected on palm flowers.

Example

Adult palmetto beetles in the genus Smicrips are often collected by beating palm inflorescences, though they have also been recorded from flowers of legumes, passionflowers, and cacti.

Synonyms

• Smicripidae

Related Terms

• Cucujoidea
• Arecaceae
• inflorescence
• sap beetle
• nitidulid

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to the family Smicripidae, not to the many other beetle species that inhabit palms. The family's dietary habits remain poorly known despite their predictable association with flowering structures.