Wedge-shaped beetles

Definition

A family of beetles (Rhipiphoridae, also spelled Ripiphoridae) characterized by their distinctive wedge-shaped, laterally compressed bodies and highly derived life histories involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitism. Adults are typically short-lived, with males often possessing pectinate (comb-like) antennae and females frequently larviform and brachypterous or apterous. Larvae are parasitoids of other insects, most commonly bees, wasps, or beetle larvae, with early instars being mobile triungulin larvae that actively seek hosts.

Etymology

Common name refers to the characteristic wedge-shaped, dorsoventrally flattened body form of adults.

Example

Ripidius pectinicornis, a European species whose males display the family's typical pectinate antennae and whose larvae parasitize solitary bees.

Synonyms

• Rhipiphoridae
• Ripiphoridae
• wedge-shaped beetles

Related Terms

• Hypermetamorphosis
• triungulin
• Parasitoid
• brachyptery
• pectinate antennae
• Ripiphoridae
• Coleoptera

Usage Notes

Family name has two accepted spellings: Rhipiphoridae (from Greek rhipis, fan) and Ripiphoridae; both appear in current literature. The common name refers specifically to adult morphology and should not be confused with other wedge-shaped beetles such as some Ciidae or Mordellidae. Life history is highly unusual among Coleoptera: most species are parasitoids of Hymenoptera or other beetles, with extreme sexual dimorphism and female neoteny common.