Lycidae

In this article, we will explore Lycidae in detail, a topic that has captured the attention and interest of many in recent times. From its impact on society to its relevance in different fields of study, Lycidae has been the subject of debate and discussion in a wide range of contexts. Through an exhaustive analysis, we will seek to delve deeper into the many facets of Lycidae, offering a comprehensive perspective that allows the reader to better understand its importance and implications. From its origins to its possible future implications, this article will approach Lycidae from various perspectives to provide a complete and enriching overview of this fascinating topic.

Lycidae
Temporal range:
Porrostoma rhipidium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Elateriformia
Superfamily: Elateroidea
Family: Lycidae
Laporte, 1836
Subfamilies

The Lycidae are a family in the beetle order Coleoptera, members of which are commonly called net-winged beetles. These beetles are cosmopolitan, being found in Nearctic, Palearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australian ecoregions.[1]

Description

Beetles of this family are elongated and usually found on flowers or stems. Adult males are about 10–15 mm in length, while females are a bit larger. The adults of some species are nectarivores, while some may have short adult lives during which they may not feed at all. The head is triangular and the antennae are long, thick, and serrated. Most of them are brick-red in colour. They are protected from predators by being toxic.

Although older literature reports the larvae to be predatory, the most common mode of feeding is probably microphagy on myxomycetes or metabolic products of fungi.[2][3] Some Lycidae larvae might be found preying on soft larvae of Diptera or small molluscs.[3]

Selected genera

These following genera belong to the family Lycidae:

Data sources: i=ITIS,[5] c=Catalogue of Life,[6] g=GBIF,[7] b=Bugguide.net[2]

Extinct genera

†Burmolycus Bocak et al. 2019 Burmese amber, Cenomanian

†Cretolycus Tihelka et al. 2019 Burmese amber, Cenomanian

†Electropteron Kazantsev 2012 Dominican amber, Miocene

†Miocaenia Wickham 1914 Florissant Formation, Eocene

References

  1. ^ Lawrence, J.F., Hastings, A.M., Dallwitz, M.J., Paine, T.A., and Zurcher, E.J. 2000 onwards. Elateriformia (Coleoptera): descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval for families and subfamilies. Version: 9 October 2005
  2. ^ a b "Lycidae Family Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  3. ^ a b Bocak, L.; Matsuda, K. (2003). "Review of the immature stages of the family Lycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera)". Journal of Natural History. 37 (12): 1463–1507. doi:10.1080/00222930210125362.
  4. ^ Kubecek, Vaclav; Bray, Timothy C.; Bocak, Ladislav (2015). "Molecular phylogeny of Metanoeina net-winged beetles identifies Ochinoeus, a new genus from China and Laos (Coleoptera: Lycidae)". Zootaxa. 3955 (1): 113–122. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3955.1.6. PMID 25947840.
  5. ^ "Lycidae Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Browse Lycidae". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Lycidae". GBIF. Retrieved 5 August 2024.