False Click Beetles

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eucnemidae: /juːkˈnɛmɪdiː/

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Summary

Eucnemidae, or false click beetles, are a family of elateroid beetles including about 1700 species recognized worldwide, characterized by their flattened bodies and the ecological role they play in wood decay.

Physical Characteristics

Specimens of Eucnemidae can reach a length of 2–30 mm (0.079–1.181 in). Bodies are slightly flattened and convex. The upper surfaces of the body usually have hairs, setae, or scales.

Identification Tips

Antennomere 2 is attached subterminally to the scape (vs apically in Elateridae).

Habitat

Moist dead wood, hard seasoned wood, or in soil near roots of dead/dying trees, especially in woodlands and forests.

Distribution

Worldwide, with >100 species in North America and approximately 2000 total species.

Diet

Larvae feed on the fluids of rotting wood, likely utilizing digestive enzymes to break down fungal hyphae; adult feeding habits are unclear.

Life Cycle

Most Nearctic eucnemids overwinter as larvae and continue development in the following spring. Many species complete development in 1–2 years.

Reproduction

Details on reproduction are scarce; however, many species undergo a hypermetamorphic lifecycle with varying larval forms.

Ecosystem Role

Eucnemidae larvae contribute to the decomposition of wood by feeding on fungi and rotting wood, aiding nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Evolution

Eucnemidae is closely related to the family Elateridae and exhibits evolutionary traits such as the ability to click, which is a misnomer as many can actually produce a clicking sound.

Similar Taxa

• Elateridae

Misconceptions

The term 'false click beetles' is a misnomer, as many eucnemids can produce a clicking sound similar to true click beetles.

Tags

• beetles
• Eucnemidae
• false click beetles
• ecosystem decomposers
• Coleoptera