Erotylidae
A large family of mostly tropical insects, relatively few occur in temperate zones and seven species, included within three genera, are found in Britain. The Biphyllidae were formerly included. 2.5-7mm. Elongate oval and mostly distinctly coloured species associated with fungi, in which the larvae live. Head distinct from above. Antennae 11 segmented, without scape and distinctly clubbed (Chrysomelidae ?), inserted at sides of head in front of eyes. Eyes circular. Pronotum quadrate or transverse, distinctly margined although only narrowly so. Edges smooth, not dentate, and front angles weakly produced. Elytra entire, covering abdomen and with shallow, weakly punctate striae. Epipleurs distinct and complete. Body convex below (Phalacridae). Tarsi 5-5-5 in both sexes, more or less pseudotetramerous (Crowson). Tarsal segments 1-3 broadened, pubescent below (cf. Biphyllidae), 3 strongly bilobed, 4 very small, 5 elongate, terminating in a pair of simple claws. Both species of Dacne and at least two species of Triplax can be expected to occur around Watford. Tritoma bipustulata Fabricius is widespread in the south east but scarce. Triplax scutellaris Ch. is found in east Yorkshire and Triplax lacordairii Crotch is recorded from East Kent, Essex and the New forest. British species key out in Joy and a more detailed account (in german) of all our species, among others, is given by Vogt ?. ? Included because brightly coloured and metallic Erotylids bear a superficial resemblance. ? Freude et al, Die Kafer Mitteleuropas, Vol. 7
Triplax aenea	Triplax aenea	Triplax aenea	Triplax aenea	Triplax aenea
Triplax russica	Triplax russica
Tritoma
Home