Flat Bark Beetles

Cucujidae

Classification

Pronunciation

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

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

Images

Cucujus Larva (29774129925) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Pediacus subglaberMontage by Michael C. Thomas. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Pediacus depressus 77050621 by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Georgiy Jacobson - Beetles Russia and Western Europe - plate 19 by see in description. Used under a Public domain license.
Pediacus.depressus.Reitter by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.
Pediacus depressus Jacobson by Georgiy Jacobson. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Cucujidae, or flat bark beetles, are a family of beetles predominantly found under the bark of dead trees and include about 70 species in five genera. They play an essential role in controlling pest populations by predating on the larvae of harmful insects.

Physical Characteristics

Flattened elongate bodies ranging from 6 to 25 mm in length; most are brown colored, while others are black, reddish, or yellow; triangular-shaped heads with filiform to moniliform antennae of 11 antennomeres; large mandibles; pronotum narrower than head.

Identification Tips

Look for the flattened body and 11-segmented antennae. They can often be found under the bark of dead trees.

Habitat

Under the bark of dead trees, in various habitats except Africa and Antarctica.

Distribution

World-wide distribution except Africa and Antarctica; most diverse in the Holarctic Region, with specific genera found in Neotropical and Australasian regions.

Diet

Adults and larvae are predacious on other arthropods, primarily the larvae and pupae of other insects and subcortical beetles.

Life Cycle

Both larvae and adults live under bark; details about their complete life cycle remain poorly known.

Ecosystem Role

Considered beneficial to the health of living trees as they prey on larvae of potentially damaging beetles that spread fungal diseases.

Evolution

Formerly larger family with various subfamilies that have been raised to family status in taxonomic revisions; unambiguous fossil records date back to the Eocene with earlier claims to the Early Cretaceous.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Cucujidae
  • Flat Bark Beetles
  • Holarctic Region
  • Biodiversity
  • Predation