The family Clambidae includes very small, inconspicuous beetles that are often overlooked for their size. Their bodies are very small, usually ranging from about 0.7 to 2.0 mm in length. The hind pair of wings often has a fringe lined with long hairs, giving them the name "fringe-winged beetles". Most species live in decaying plant material (macro and microdetritus), in humus, under bark, in tree cavities, in leaves, etc. They are thought to feed on fungal spores, hyphae (Myxomycetes) and spores of various fungal species (Ascomycetes). When threatened, the beetles may reflexively retract their legs, head, and shield ("roll up") into a nearly spherical shape, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage. They have greatly enlarged metacoxal plates that can cover the hind legs. The eyes in some species are often partially or completely interrupted by the canthus (i.e., eyes divided). Because of their size, they are easily overlooked and their biology is in many ways poorly understood.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Calyptomerus alpestris

Calyptomerus dubius

Clambus armadillo

Clambus gibbulus

Clambus nigrellus

Clambus nigriclavis

Clambus pubescens

Clambus punctulum