Forest-decomposition
Guides
Platypodinae
pinhole borers, ambrosia beetles
Platypodinae is a weevil subfamily within Curculionidae commonly known as pinhole borers. The vast majority of species are ambrosia beetles that cultivate symbiotic fungi in tunnels excavated within dead wood, which serves as the sole food source for their larvae. They function as important early decomposers of dead woody plant material, particularly in wet tropical environments. Only two species are known not to engage in fungal cultivation.