Reticulated Beetles

Cupedidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cupedidae: //kjuːˈpɛdɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Cupedidae, or reticulated beetles, is a small family of beetles recognized for their unique elytra patterns. They are found worldwide and have both extinct and extant species.

Physical Characteristics

Flattened parallel-sided body; large closely placed elytral punctures; broad scale-like setae; body length ranges from 10 to 20 mm (0.39 to 0.79 in); colors brownish, blackish, or gray.

Identification Tips

Look for the square pattern of 'windows' on their elytra, large elytral punctures, and the distinct setae.

Habitat

Fungal-infested wood; sometimes found in wood construction.

Distribution

Worldwide; notable species in Hawaii and southern Mexico.

Diet

Larvae feed on fungus-infested dead wood or tree roots; adults likely feed on pollen and plant sap.

Life Cycle

Larvae are known to live in fungal-infested wood; adults are sometimes attracted to lights.

Reproduction

Male beetles are attracted by the odor of laundry bleach, while females emit a similar pheromone; specifics on mating behavior are not detailed.

Ecosystem Role

Wood-borers in their larval stage can help decompose wood; may be part of the pollination ecosystem as adults.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Lindgren funnel traps

Evolution

Many extinct species are known, dating back to the Triassic; phylogenetic analyses have re-evaluated relationships within the group and with other families.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Cupedidae
  • reticulated beetles
  • Coleoptera
  • archostemata