Overview
Hydrophiloidea is a superfamily of beetles. Until recently it only included a single family, the water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae), but several of the subfamilies have been removed and raised to family rank.
Taxonomy
The Superfamily Hydrophiloidea is further organized into finer groupings including:
- Family (5): Georyssidae · Histeridae · Hydrophilidae · Sphaeritidae · Synteliidae
Families
Georyssidae
Georissus, also called minute mud-loving beetles, is the only genus in the beetle family Georissidae (or Georyssidae). They are tiny insects living in wet soil, often near water. Found on every continent except Antarctica. [more]
Histeridae
Histeridae is a family of beetles commonly known as Clown beetles or Hister beetles. This very diverse group of beetles contains 3,900 species found worldwide. They can be easily identified by their shortened elytra that leaves two of the seven tergites exposed, and their elbowed antennae with clubbed ends. These predatory feeders are most active at night and will fake death if they feel threatened. This family of beetles will occupy almost any kind of niche throughout the world. Hister beetles have proved useful during forensic investigations to help in time of death estimation. Also, certain species are used in the control of livestock pests that infest dung and to control houseflies. Because they are predacious and will even eat other Hister beetles, they must be isolated when collected. [more]
Hydrophilidae
Hydrophilidae , also called water scavenger beetles, is a family of chiefly aquatic beetles. Aquatic hydrophilids are notable for their long , which are longer than their antennae. Several of the former subfamilies of Hydrophilidae have recently been removed and elevated to family rank; Epimetopidae, Georissidae (= Georyssinae), Helophoridae, Hydrochidae, and Spercheidae (= Sphaeridiinae). Some of these formerly-included groups are primarily terrestrial or semi-aquatic. [more]
Sphaeritidae
Sphaerites is a genus of beetles, the only genus in the family Sphaeritidae, sometimes called the false clown beetles. It is closely related to the clown beetles but with distinct characteristics. There are four known species, widespread in temperate area but not commonly seen. [more]
Synteliidae
At least 4 species and subspecies belong to the Family Synteliidae.
More info about the Family Synteliidae may be found here.
Sources
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