Cucujidae

Latreille, 1802

flat bark beetles

The are a of characterized by strongly flattened bodies adapted for living under bark. The family contains approximately 70 in five , distributed worldwide except Africa and Antarctica. Members are primarily found in subcortical on dead trees, where both and are predatory. Some species exhibit remarkable physiological , including extreme freezing in .

Cucujus clavipes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cucujus clavipes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.Cucujus clavipes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cucujidae: //kʊˈkuː.dʒɪˌdiː//

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Identification

Distinctively flattened, elongate parallel-sided bodies ranging from 6 to 25 mm in length. Triangular with large . to with 11 . narrower than head. Coloration variable: most , some black, reddish, or . The extreme body flattening separates them from most other found under bark.

Images

Habitat

Under bark of dead trees in forested areas. Associated with subcortical microhabitats. Some colonize isolated where sufficient deadwood is present.

Distribution

Worldwide except Africa and Antarctica. show distinct regional patterns: Cucujus (Holarctic), Palaestes (Neotropical), Pediacus (Holarctic extending to Neotropics and Australia), Platisus (Australia and New Zealand), Thesaurus (South America).

Diet

Predatory on other subcortical . Cucujus feed on and of other insects and on other under bark.

Behavior

Both and live under bark. Some capable of colonizing isolated from persisting local when suitable deadwood is available. populations of Cucujus clavipes puniceus desiccate to 30–40% body water in winter and use anti-freeze for .

Ecological Role

that may help control of tree-damaging that spread fungal , thereby contributing to tree health.

Similar Taxa

  • LaemophloeidaeFormerly treated as Laemophloeinae within , but now elevated to status; historically confused with Cucujidae
  • SilvanidaeFormerly treated as Silvaninae within ; revisions separated these groups
  • PassandridaeFormerly included within as Passandrinae; now recognized as distinct

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Sources and further reading