Malthinini

Distinguished from other Cantharidae tribes by the combination of: antennae with segments 3–10 elongate and cylindrical (not strongly serrate or pectinate); pronotum with distinct lateral carinae or sharp margins; prosternal process narrow, not expanded posteriorly; and specific configurations of the male aedeagus with paired parameres. Differs from Malthodini by less strongly developed pronotal lateral margins and different antennal structure. Separation from Cantharini requires examination of tarsal formula details and genitalic characters.

Elongate, parallel-sided beetles with soft, flexible elytra that do not fully harden. Body typically 5–15 mm in length. Head usually prognathous with filiform or slightly serrate antennae. Pronotum distinctly narrower than elytral base, often with lateral margins visible from above. Elytra often with longitudinal costae or punctate striae. Tarsi with five visible segments. Coloration frequently includes combinations of yellow, orange, brown, or black, often with contrasting patterns.

Found in diverse terrestrial habitats including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, meadows, and shrublands. Often associated with herbaceous vegetation and flowering plants. Many species occupy humid microhabitats within leaf litter or under bark. Larval stages typically occur in soil, decaying wood, or leaf litter.

Primarily Holarctic distribution with centers of diversity in Europe and temperate Asia. Present across North America, Europe, northern Africa, and Asia through to Japan. Absent from tropical regions and the Southern Hemisphere.

Adult activity primarily from April through August in temperate regions, with peak abundance in late spring to early summer. Some species extend into September at higher elevations or latitudes. Larvae present year-round in suitable microhabitats.

Adults frequently observed on flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. Slow, deliberate movement when disturbed; capable of flight but often prefer to escape by dropping from vegetation. When handled, may exude defensive secretions from thoracic and abdominal glands. Nocturnal activity patterns reported for some species.

Adults contribute to pollination through flower visitation. Both larvae and adults function as generalist predators of small invertebrates including aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects. Larval stages participate in nutrient cycling through soil and detritus processing.

Occasionally encountered in gardens and agricultural settings where adults may provide minor biological control of pest insects. No significant economic impact; neither major pest nor widely utilized beneficial species. Some species collected for scientific study due to taxonomic complexity.

• MalthodiniShares subfamily Malthininae; distinguished by more strongly serrate antennae and more pronounced pronotal lateral margins that extend laterally
• CanthariniWithin same family; differs in tarsal formula details, antennal structure, and male genitalia morphology
• SiliniRelated tribe in Cantharidae; separated by differences in pronotal shape, antennal segment proportions, and genitalic structure

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life