Round Fungus Beetles
Leiodidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
- Family: Leiodidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leiodidae: //ˌlaɪ.oʊˈdaɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Leiodidae, or round fungus beetles, are a diverse family of beetles characterized by their small size and various feeding habits predominantly associated with detritivory and scavenging. They exhibit a wide range of shapes, though many are rounded and some are flightless.
Physical Characteristics
Generally small to very small beetles (less than 10 mm in length), many species have clubbed antennae; some are globular in shape while others are more elongated.
Identification Tips
Identify by their small size, clubbed antennae, and overall body shape which is typically rounded.
Habitat
Found in litter, various decayed matter, vertebrate and ant nests/burrows, caves/caverns, various fungi (including subterranean types) and slime molds.
Distribution
Approximately 3,800 described species worldwide, with 382 species in our local area, including over 130 species in Canada and Alaska, across 5 subfamilies.
Diet
Detritivorous or scavengers; feed on carrion, decaying organic matter, dung, or specific types of fungus.
Life Cycle
Not specifically detailed but generally involve typical beetle development stages from egg to larva to adult.
Ecosystem Role
Play a role in decomposition processes as they feed on decaying organic matter.
Evolution
The oldest fossil of the family is Mesagyrtoides from Shar-Teg, Mongolia, dating to the Late Jurassic (Tithonian). Members of modern subfamilies appeared during the Cretaceous, with evidence from Burmese amber.
Similar Taxa
- Anisotomidae
- Catopidae
- Cholevidae
- Colonidae
- Leptinidae
- Leptodiridae
- Platypsyllidae
Tags
- beetles
- Leiodidae
- round fungus beetles
- ecology
- detritivores