Cryptic Slime Mold Beetles

Sphindidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Cucujoidea
Family: Sphindidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphindidae: /ˈsfɪndɪˌdeɪ/

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Summary

Sphindidae, commonly known as slime mold beetles, is a family of beetles belonging to the suborder Polyphaga. They are defined by their exclusive diet of slime molds during both the adult and larval stages. The family comprises several living genera and has a fossil record that enhances understanding of its evolutionary history.

Physical Characteristics

1.5-3.5 mm in length; head partially visible from above; convex, elongate to broadly oval body shape; scape and pedicel asymmetrically inflated; antennal club about as long as stem; pronotum broader than head and as broad as elytra at base; ventrite I is longest and most coarsely punctured.

Identification Tips

Head visibility and body shape (convex, elongate to broadly oval) are useful for identification.

Habitat

Wherever slime molds are prevalent.

Distribution

Approximately 9 species in 4 genera are found in the local area; around 60 species in 9 genera are known worldwide.

Diet

Both adults and larvae feed on sporocarps of myxomycetes (slime molds).

Life Cycle

Life history details are largely obscure, but both life stages feed on slime molds.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as consumers of slime molds, which may impact the decomposition process in their ecosystems.

Evolution

Palaeontological discoveries since 2015 have revealed more about their geologic history, including the extinct subfamily Libanopsinae and its genus Libanopsis from Cretaceous amber.

Similar Taxa

Aspidiphoridae
Coniporidae