Shining flower beetles

Definition

A family of small, compact beetles (Phalacridae) characterized by their glossy, often metallic or polished elytra and rounded, convex body form. Adults are typically found on flowers, where they feed on pollen and fungal spores, while larvae develop in decaying plant matter or fungal fruiting bodies. The family comprises approximately 60 genera and 600 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical and temperate regions.

Etymology

From the polished, reflective cuticle of the elytra ('shining') and their frequent association with flowers ('flower'), plus 'beetles' (Old English bitela, 'little biter').

Example

Stilbus apicalis, a common European species, can be found feeding on Asteraceae pollen and is often collected in pan traps placed near flowering vegetation.

Synonyms

• Phalacridae

Related Terms

• pollen beetle
• Coleoptera
• Elytra
• mycophagy
• flower visitation
• cryptic fungus beetle

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to the family Phalacridae, not to any beetles with shiny appearance found on flowers. Some species are minor agricultural pests when abundant in cereal crops, though they are generally considered benign or beneficial pollinators. The family was historically placed near Cucujoidea but molecular phylogenetics has clarified its position within Coccinelloidea.