Bostrichoidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bostrichoidea: //bɒs.trɪˈkɔɪ.diə//

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Summary

Bostrichoidea is a superfamily of beetles recognized for their distinctive features and ecological roles, primarily found in dry habitats and associated with wood and stored plant materials. It encompasses four main families, each displaying a range of morphology and feeding habits.

Physical Characteristics

Bostrichoidea are characterized by modified cryptonephridism, a unique structure of the aedeagus in males, and larvae that lack a basal mandibular mola. Morphologically, Bostrichidae show a range of body shapes from convex to flattened, with sizes varying from 2 to 50 mm (0.079 to 1.969 in), and colors that can be yellow, brown, black, or metallic hues.

Identification Tips

Identification of Bostrichoidea can be made by examining the body shape, which varies significantly among families, as well as the specific morphological structures noted above such as the aedeagus in males and the characteristics of the larvae.

Habitat

Bostrichoidea generally inhabit dry environments, with many species associated with wood and dry plant materials.

Distribution

All four families of Bostrichoidea are represented in various regions, particularly in areas with dry habitats.

Diet

Many Bostrichidae species feed on wood, while others may attack monocotyledonous plants. Rhyzopertha dominica specifically feeds on stored grains and cereal products, whereas larvae of Ptinidae typically bore into wood but may also feed on stored foods, tobacco, and museum specimens. Dermestidae species are mainly scavengers of dried organic matter but some also predate or feed on pollen and nectar.

Ecosystem Role

Bostrichoidea play significant roles in their ecosystems as decomposers, particularly the species that feed on decaying wood and organic matter.

Economic Impact

Some species, like Rhyzopertha dominica, are considered pests of stored grains, impacting agricultural industries.

Evolution

The Bostrichoidea superfamily is part of the infraorder Bostrichiformia and has been recognized for its evolutionary distinctiveness due to unique morphological features.

Tags

• beetles
• Bostrichoidea
• Bostrichidae
• Dermestidae
• ecology