Phalacridae

Phalacridae
Temporal range: Albian–Recent
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Superfamily: Cucujoidea
Family: Phalacridae
Leach, 1815
Olibrus liquidus

The Phalacridae are a family of beetles commonly called the shining flower beetles, They are often found in composite flowers. They are oval-shaped, usually tan, and about 2 mm in length.[1] Most species feed on fungus, although a number feed on flower heads.[2]

Worldwide there are about 638 species in 52 genera.[3] The oldest possible record of the family is a specimen from Spanish amber, dating to the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous.[4]

  1. ^ Borror, Donald J.; Triplehorn, Charles A.; Johnson, Norman F (1989). An Introduction to the Study of Insects (6th ed.). Fort Worth, Texas: Saunders College. p. 800. ISBN 0-03-025397-7.
  2. ^ Lawrence, John F.; Gimmel, Matthew L.; Steiner, Warren E. (2010-12-31), Kükenthal, Willy; Leschen, Richard A.B.; Beutel, Rolf G.; Lawrence, John F. (eds.), "10.20. Phalacridae Leach, 1815", Coleoptera, Beetles, Volume 2, Morphology and Systematics (Elateroidea, Bostrichiformia, Cucujiformia partim), DE GRUYTER, pp. 368–374, doi:10.1515/9783110911213.368, ISBN 978-3-11-019075-5, retrieved 2022-10-02
  3. ^ Matthew L. Gimmel World checklist of valid names in Phalacridae Louisiana State Arthropod Museum
  4. ^ Peris, David; Ruzzier, Enrico; Perrichot, Vincent; Delclòs, Xavier (July 2016). "Evolutionary and paleobiological implications of Coleoptera (Insecta) from Tethyan-influenced Cretaceous ambers". Geoscience Frontiers. 7 (4): 695–706. doi:10.1016/j.gsf.2015.12.007. hdl:2445/100747. S2CID 56018971.