Ant-like Leaf Beetles

Aderidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
Family: Aderidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aderidae: //əˈdɛrɪdiː//

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

Images

Cnopus impressus P1000526a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ant-like Leaf Beetle - Elonus basalis, Natchez Trace near Natchez, Mississippi by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Syzeton subfasciatus - inat 364978478 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Syzeton nubifer - inat 61684948 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Syzeton hubbardi - inat 56849320 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Syzeton fasciatus - inat 232654847 by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Aderidae, commonly known as ant-like leaf beetles, is a family of small beetles characterized by their head shape and habitat preferences. They primarily inhabit the undersides of leaves and have a global distribution, with a significant number of species found in tropical regions.

Physical Characteristics

Size ranges from 1 to 4 mm. Characterized by a strongly deflexed head that is wider than long and wider than the pronotum, with a constricted base in most species. Eyes are usually large, coarsely granulate, and weakly to strongly emarginate, often with setae between facets. The first two abdominal sternites are fused.

Identification Tips

Look for a head that constricts in front of the pronotum, forming a neck-like appearance. The granular and hairy eyes distinguish them from other beetles. Their small size and presence on undersides of leaves can help with identification.

Habitat

Adults are typically found on the undersides of leaves of shrubs and trees, while larvae inhabit rotting wood, leaf litter, and nests of other insects.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, with most species found in tropical regions.

Diet

Adults feed on leaves from various trees and shrubs; larvae feed on decaying organic matter and in nests of other insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details are not extensively documented, but adults are found on plants, while larvae develop in rotting wood or organic debris.

Ecosystem Role

They may play a role in decomposition as larvae are often found in rotting wood and leaf litter.

Evolution

The oldest confirmed member of the family is Gryzmalia from mid Cretaceous Burmese amber.

Similar Taxa

Anthicidae

Misconceptions

Their resemblance to ants can lead to confusion, but they are a distinct family of beetles.