False Ground Beetles

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trachypachidae: /trækɪˈpækɪˌdiː/

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Summary

Trachypachidae is a family of beetles known as false ground beetles, comprising six known extant species, primarily characterized by their large coxae. Their habits resemble those of ground beetles, being chiefly diurnal predators and scavengers found in forest leaf litter.

Physical Characteristics

Resemble small ground beetles with large coxae; antennae are not densely pubescent and metacoxae extend to elytral margins.

Identification Tips

Look for the absence of pubescence on antennae and the shape of metacoxae in relation to elytra.

Habitat

Usually found in the leaf litter of conifer forests.

Distribution

Northern Holarctic, with species in northern North America and northern Eurasia; two species in Chile and Argentina.

Diet

Predators and scavengers.

Ecosystem Role

Predators and scavengers in their habitats.

Evolution

The family shows uncertain phylogenetic relationships; it has been classified under different families and is considered a sister group to Carabidae and Cicindelidae within Adephaga.

Misconceptions

Often confused with Carabidae due to morphological similarity.

Tags

• Coleoptera
• Beetles
• Trachypachidae
• False Ground Beetles