Rare Click Beetles

Cerophytidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Elateroidea
Family: Cerophytidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cerophytidae: //ˌsɛroʊˈfaɪtɪˌdiː//

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

Summary

Cerophytidae, commonly known as Rare Click Beetles, are a unique family of beetles characterized by their distinct morphology, primarily found in forest habitats associated with decaying wood. They exhibit interesting behaviors, such as jumping, which is reminiscent of other click beetles.

Physical Characteristics

Antennae strongly serrate to pectinate, body short, head deflexed with protruding frons, and long trochanters. The metacoxae lack a distinct posterior face and have a ventral surface continuous with the first ventrite.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive serrate or pectinate antennae and the unique shape of the head and body. Adults can be seen jumping like click beetles.

Habitat

Lowland and mid-elevation forests; associated with deciduous trees, sometimes found in leaf litter or under ground debris.

Distribution

Primarily distributed in the Americas and Europe; specifically in the eastern United States and the Pacific regions (Oregon and California).

Diet

Adults are presumed to feed on laminated rotten xylem; larvae are associated with rotting wood.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes stages associated with decaying wood, with larvae feeding on this substrate.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive habits are not detailed, but involve the laying of eggs in suitable environments for larval development.

Ecosystem Role

Important decomposers in forest ecosystems, helping to break down rotting wood.

Collecting Methods

Netted in flight
Captured using traps
Attracted to lights

Evolution

The family contains over 20 species in five genera, with a rich fossil record extending back to the Early Jurassic, indicating a long evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other beetle families due to their clicking mechanism, but Cerophytidae are distinct in their morphology and habitat.