Teredidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Teredidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Teredidae: //tɛˈriːdɪdiː//

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

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Summary

Teredidae is a small family of beetles known for their association with decaying wood and fungi, originally classified within Bothrideridae, they are found in various habitats worldwide, except South America.

Physical Characteristics

Small beetles, generally mottled in color with elongated bodies.

Identification Tips

Look for beetles that are found under bark or in wood-boring beetle galleries. Their size and coloration can help distinguish them from other beetle families.

Habitat

Primarily found under bark, in wood-boring beetle galleries, or leaf litter.

Distribution

World-wide distribution except for South America; in the US and British Columbia (Oxylaemus) and Arizona (Rustleria).

Diet

Thought to be fungivores, possibly feeding on fungi cultivated by ambrosia beetles.

Life Cycle

Lifecycle details are not well documented, but they likely undergo complete metamorphosis like most beetles.

Ecosystem Role

As fungivores, they may play a role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients.

Collecting Methods

Hand collection under bark
Sampling leaf litter

Preservation Methods

Alcohol preservation
Drying and pinning specimens

Evolution

The oldest records date back to the mid-Cretaceous with fossils found in Burmese amber, indicating a long evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often overlooked due to their small size and habitat; their role as fungivores may not be recognized.