Dascillidae Temporal range:
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Dascillus cervinus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Suborder: | Polyphaga |
Infraorder: | Elateriformia |
Superfamily: | Dascilloidea |
Family: | Dascillidae Guérin-Méneville, 1843 |
Subfamilies | |
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Dascillidae is a family of beetles within the clade Elateriformia. There are about 100 extant species in 11 genera, which are found worldwide. Dascillidae together with Rhipiceridae form the super family Dascilloidea.[1]
The family was named by Guérin Méneville in 1843.[2] The family is divided up into two poorly defined subfamilies, Karumiinae and Dascillinae.[3]
Adult Dascillidae are 4.5–25 mm long with an elongate body that is somewhat convex in cross-section. They are covered in dense grey/brown hairs.[4] Karumiines have highly modified soft-bodies, similar to some members of Elateroidea.[3]
The adults can be found on grass during the springtime. The larvae occur in moist soil or under rocks.[4] The larvae are thought to feed on roots or decaying plant matter.[5] Some karumiines like Karumia are associated with termites.[3]