Rhipiphoridae

Definition

A cosmopolitan family of beetles (order Coleoptera) comprising approximately 450 described species, commonly known as wedge-shaped beetles. The family is distinguished by hypermetamorphic development—a complex life cycle with multiple larval forms—and parasitoid biology. Most species parasitize bees or wasps (Hymenoptera), though some attack cockroaches (Blattodea) or other beetles. Adults typically exhibit abbreviated elytra that expose much of the abdomen, and many possess flabellate (fan-shaped) or pectinate (comb-like) antennae. The family shares hypermetamorphy with the related family Meloidae (blister beetles).

Etymology

From Greek rhipis (ῥιπίς, 'fan') + phoros ('bearing'), referring to the fan-like antennae of many species; family name established by Gemminger and Harold, 1870

Example

The genus Rhipiphorus includes species whose first-instar larvae (triungulins) actively seek out host bees, attach to them, and are transported to the nest where subsequent larval instars consume host provisions and larvae.

Synonyms

• Ripiphoridae

Related Terms

• Hypermetamorphosis
• Parasitoid
• triungulin
• Meloidae
• abbreviated elytra
• pectinate antennae
• flabellate antennae
• Coleoptera

Usage Notes

The spelling 'Rhipiphoridae' (with initial 'Rh') is the original and currently accepted form, though 'Ripiphoridae' appears in some literature. The family was historically placed in its own superfamily Rhipiphoroidea or allied with Tenebrionoidea. The hypermetamorphic life cycle involves a mobile, host-seeking first instar (planidium or triungulin), a sedentary feeding stage, and often a non-feeding pupal-like prepupal stage before adult emergence. Host specificity varies: some Rhipiphoridae are generalists across bee families, while others specialize on particular cockroach or beetle taxa.