The Erotylidae are a family of beetles which, at first glance, are striking for their often contrasting, glossy colouration and their association with wood-dwelling fungi. Many species are characterised by contrasting, warning colouration, dominated by glossy black combined with bright red or orange. Their bodies are oval to oblong-oval, arched, mostly smooth and glossy, with club-shaped antennae. Both larvae and adults live predominantly on the fruiting bodies of wood-decaying fungi, where they feed on the fungal tissue whilst dispersing spores, thus playing a significant role in wood decomposition and the functioning of forest ecosystems. Owing to their association with old trees and primeval forest stands, many native species are classified as endangered and protected, serving as indicators of the high degree of conservation of forest habitats. The greatest species diversity within the family is found in the tropics, but members of the Erotylidae are found on every continent.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Cryptophilus integer

 

Combocerus glaber

 

Dacne bipustulata

 

Dacne notata

 

Dacne picta

 

Dacne rufifrons

 

Triplax aenea

 

Triplax collaris

 

Triplax elongata

 

Triplax lepida

 

Triplax rufipes

 

Triplax russica

 

Triplax scutellaris

 

Tritoma bipustulata

 

Pharaxonotha kirschii