Tetratomidae

Definition

A small family of beetles (order Coleoptera) commonly known as polypore fungus beetles, historically treated as a subordinate group within Melandryidae but now recognized as a distinct family. Members are associated with bracket fungi (polypores) and occur worldwide. The family comprises several genera of small to medium-sized beetles with varied habits linked to fungal decay communities.

Etymology

From Greek tetra- (four) and tomos (cut, section), referring to the tarsal structure originally used to characterize the group.

Example

The genus Tetratoma, placed in Tetratomidae, includes species that develop in the fruiting bodies of polypore fungi such as Trametes and Fomitopsis, making these beetles useful indicators of old-growth forest continuity.

Synonyms

• polypore fungus beetles

Related Terms

• Melandryidae
• Coleoptera
• polypore
• saproxylic
• Tenebrionoidea
• Fungus beetle

Usage Notes

Tetratomidae was elevated from tribal status within Melandryidae based on larval morphology and molecular phylogenetics; some older literature treats these beetles as melandryids. The common name 'polypore fungus beetles' is also applied to certain Erotylidae (pleasing fungus beetles), so context matters for identification.