Soft-bodied Plant Beetles
Artematopodidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Elateroidea
- Family: Artematopodidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Artematopodidae: /ˌɑːrtəˌmætəˈpɒdɪdiː/
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Summary
Artematopodidae, known as soft-bodied plant beetles, is a family characterized by their unique morphology and obscure life history. They primarily inhabit understory forest foliage and have diverse feeding habits during their larval stage.
Physical Characteristics
Size: 3-10 mm; head well recessed into pronotum and slightly to strongly downturned; 11-segmented antennae; 4-segmented maxillary palpi; tarsi 5-5-5; larvae elateriform; apex of each elytron with a ventral tongue-like process.
Identification Tips
Look for the well-recessed head and downturned profile; the unique elytral structure can also aid in identification.
Habitat
Typically found in understory forest foliage; larvae are often found in moss mats.
Distribution
Found throughout most of the New World from northern North America to Brazil, as well as in Eastern Asia and Southern Europe.
Diet
Larvae of some genera (like Eurypogon and Macropogon) likely feed on moss, while those of Artematopus have been known to consume insect remains.
Life Cycle
The life history is largely obscure; larvae develop in moss mats, where they feed, while adults are located on vegetation.
Ecosystem Role
As herbivores and potential prey for other animals, they may play a role in their ecological niche and food web.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep netting
- Hand collecting from foliage
- Using pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Drying
- Use of ethyl acetate
Evolution
The oldest fossils of this family date back to the Middle Jurassic period, indicating a long evolutionary history.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Artematopodidae
- beetles
- Coleoptera
- insecta
- herbivores