False Soldier Beetles

Omethidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Omethidae: /oˈmɛθɪˌdaɪ/

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

Images

Blatchleya gracilis by Willis Blatchley (1859–1940). Used under a Public domain license.

Omethes marginatus 60783688 by skitterbug. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Omethidae, commonly known as false soldier beetles, comprise a family of Elateroidea with various species predominantly found in North America and parts of Asia. Their life cycle and ecology are not well understood, and they occupy forested habitats, primarily during the day.

Physical Characteristics

Labrum distinct and sclerotized; abdomen lacking paired glandular openings on tergites; both tarsomeres 3 and 4 with bifid ventral lobes.

Identification Tips

Identification may require careful examination of the labrum and tarsomeres.

Habitat

Vegetation in or surrounding forests; some species found in forest litter.

Distribution

Native to South, Southeast, and Eastern Asia and the Americas; endemic species found primarily in North America, particularly in the Pacific states (California, Oregon) and the Midwest (Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee).

Diet

Biology, including feeding habits, is barely known; likely active during the day.

Life Cycle

Unknown; larvae are not documented.

Reproduction

Unknown.

Ecosystem Role

Part of forest ecosystems, potentially involved in pollination or nutrient cycling, but specific roles are unknown due to lack of biological study.