Eucnemidae are predominantly small to medium-sized beetles belonging to the superfamily Elateroidea, and are very similar in appearance to species of the family Elateridae. Their bodies are usually elongated, cylindrical to slightly flattened, often black, brown or metallic in colour, and covered with fine hairs or scales. Some species possess a jumping mechanism, similar to that found in the family Elateridae, enabling them to leap by a sudden movement of the thorax. The larvae are typically legless; they develop in decaying or disturbed wood, often in the presence of fungi, and are thought to feed on a liquid diet – they break down woody material enzymatically and absorb the dissolved nutrients. Adults are found on the surface of tree trunks, stumps or in tree hollows; they are short-lived and difficult to detect. Many species are nocturnal and are attracted to light. The Eucnemidae are important bioindicators of the health and continuity of natural forest ecosystems, whilst most of our species are rare and threatened. Globally, this is a species-rich family, whose diversity increases significantly towards the tropics.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Eucnemis capucina

 

Dromaeolus barnabita

 

Nematodes filum

 

Otho sphondyloides

 

Clypeorhagus clypeatus

 

Farsus dubius

 

Microrhagus emyi

 

Microrhagus lepidus

 

Microrhagus pygmaeus

 

Microrhagus pyrenaeus

 

Dirrhagofarsus attenuatus

 

Rhacopus sahlbergi

 

Hylis cariniceps

 

Hylis foveicollis

 

Hylis olexai

 

Hylis procerulus

 

Hylis simonae

 

Isorhipis marmottani

 

Isorhipis melasoides

 

Melasis buprestoides

 

Xylophilus corticalis

 

Xylophilus testaceus