Byrrhoidea
Guides
Chelonariidae
turtle beetles
Chelonariidae, commonly known as turtle beetles, is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Byrrhoidea. The family contains approximately 300 described species across three extant genera: Chelonarium, Brounia, and Pseudochelonarium. Members are characterized by heavily sclerotized exoskeletons and a remarkable ability to retract their limbs into socket-like body cavities. Their ecology remains poorly understood, though associations with orchid roots and the nests of ants and termites have been reported.
Chelonarium
turtle beetles
Chelonarium is a genus of turtle beetles in the family Chelonariidae, established by Fabricius in 1801. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species, though some sources cite fewer. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive domed, turtle-like body form. Species within Chelonarium have been documented in the Americas, with records from North America (including Florida) and South America (Paraguay).
Dryopidae
long-toed water beetles
Dryopidae is a family of aquatic beetles in the superfamily Byrrhoidea, commonly known as long-toed water beetles. Adults possess dense hydrofuge hairs that enable underwater respiration and extended claws that give the family its common name. Despite being aquatic, adults cannot swim and instead cling to floating detritus. The family is distinguished from similar riffle beetles (Elmidae) by antennae that are not clubbed. Most species have terrestrial larvae, though the genus Stygoparnus has fully aquatic larvae and adults.