Palm and Flower Beetles

Mycteridae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mycteridae: /mɪkˈtɛrɪdiː/

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Summary

The Mycteridae family, also known as palm and flower beetles, is comprised of a small group of tenebrionoid beetles with around 160 species worldwide, belonging to three subfamilies: Mycterinae, Hemipeplinae, and Lacconotinae. They are distributed globally and are most commonly found in moist environments where they are associated with fungi.

Physical Characteristics

Small beetles with diverse appearances among the three subfamilies.

Identification Tips

Difficult to diagnose at the family level; vary in appearance significantly.

Habitat

Typically inhabit spaces between leaves or bases of fronds.

Distribution

Found worldwide, with about 20 species in Australia and three genera in North America: Mycterus, Hemipeplus, and Lacconotus.

Diet

Larvae consume fungi.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae likely play a role in the decomposition of organic matter by consuming fungi.