Cupedidae

The reticulated pattern of square transparent windows on the elytra is diagnostic for the family and not shared with other extant beetle families. The elongated, parallel-sided body form and moderate size (10–20 mm) are additional supporting characters. The combination of these features distinguishes Cupedidae from superficially similar groups such as Ommatidae, which have a different elytral structure.

Adults are elongated, parallel-sided beetles measuring 10–20 mm in length. Body coloration ranges from brownish to blackish or gray. The most distinctive feature is the elytra, which bear a square pattern of transparent fenestrae or "windows" creating a reticulated appearance. The overall body form is somewhat flattened and cylindrical.

Larvae inhabit fungus-infested dead wood and tree roots. Adults are found in association with woody vegetation. Specific microhabitat preferences for adults are poorly documented.

Present in Asia (East and Southeast Asia, Myanmar), Oceania (Australia, New Caledonia, New Guinea), Madagascar, East and South Africa, North America, and South America. Notably absent from Europe, though European fossil deposits are known. The distribution is relictual, with disjunct populations across multiple continents.

Larvae feed on fungus-infested dead wood and tree roots. Adults are believed to subsist on pollen and plant sap, though this has not been rigorously confirmed for most species.

• Fungi - foodLarvae consume fungi associated with decaying wood
• Dead wood - habitatLarval development site

Larvae are wood-borers that develop in fungus-infested wood. Larvae have been recorded from wood construction, suggesting they can utilize processed timber. Adults emerge from woody substrates. Specific details of pupation and adult longevity are not well documented.

Males of Priacma serrata (western North America) exhibit a strong attraction to common household bleach, suggesting that chemical compounds in bleach mimic naturally occurring attractants. This behavior has been specifically documented in this species and may not apply to other cupedids.

Larvae contribute to wood decomposition through their feeding activity in fungus-infested wood, potentially facilitating nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The specific ecological impact has not been quantified.

Larvae occasionally infest wood construction, where their presence in structural timber has been documented. The attraction of Priacma serrata males to bleach is a notable, if incidental, interaction with human environments. No significant economic importance has been established.

• OmmatidaeHistorically treated as a subfamily of Cupedidae by some authors, but distinguished by different elytral structure and, according to genomic studies, more closely related to Micromalthidae

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