Long-lipped Beetles

Telegeusidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Telegeusidae: /tɛlɛˈɡjuːsɪdiː/

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

Summary

Telegeusidae is a small family of long-lipped beetles, previously considered a separate family but now under the Omethidae family as a subfamily. They are found in a neotropical region and are mostly rare, with males being more commonly encountered than females.

Physical Characteristics

2.5‒8 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Males may be found at light, while females are likely flightless and remain obscure.

Habitat

Inhabits vegetation in or surrounding forests.

Distribution

Native from Ecuador to southwestern United States, and also found in South, Southeast, and Eastern Asia and the Americas.

Evolution

Traditionally classified as a family (Telegeusidae) but now considered a subfamily (Telegeusinae) within Omethidae; possible relation to Phengodidae as sister taxon.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Males are often perceived as rare, but they may be numerous at lights during appropriate conditions.