The Agyrtidae are a small and relatively ancient family of beetles, comprising approximately 72 known species, distributed mainly in the cooler regions of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere and, to a lesser extent, in New Zealand (one endemic genus). These beetles are often referred to as ‘primitive carrion beetles’. Most members of this family prefer damp, shady and cool habitats, such as mountain forests, scree slopes, wetlands or the banks of cool streams. They lead a secretive lifestyle in leaf litter, moss or beneath decaying bark, where they feed mainly on organic detritus, fungi or decomposing organic matter. In appearance, they are mostly small to medium-sized beetles of dark colouration with an elongated or oval body. Some species resemble ground beetles, whilst others resemble smaller scavenger beetles. Ecologically, they are diverse: some feed on decaying material (carrion, fungi, dung), whilst others are predators in wet mountain streams or coastal algae beds.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Agyrtes castaneus

 

Agyrtes bicolor

 

Necrophilus subterraneus

 

Pteroloma forsstromii