Passalidae
- Pronunciation
- /PAS-uh-luh-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Passalid
- Plural
- Passalids
Definition
A family of beetles commonly called bess beetles, known for their subsocial behavior and their habitat in decaying wood.
Etymology
From the Greek 'passalos', meaning 'peg' or 'stake', referring to the wood-boring habit of these beetles.
Example
Passalids are often found in rotting logs and stumps where they excavate galleries for breeding.
Related Terms
- Bess beetle
- Wood-boring
- Subsocial
- Stridulation
Usage Notes
Passalids are divided into two subfamilies, Passalinae and Aulacocyclinae.