Agyrtidae


Agyrtidae, or primitive carrion beetles, are a small family of polyphagan beetles They are found in mostly temperate areas of the northern hemisphere and in New Zealand. They feed on decaying organic material.

Characteristics

Agyrtidae are small or middle-sized beetles. They have usually oval body, but the Pterolomatinae are superficially similar to ground beetles. Abdomen is with five visible ventral sclerites, procoxal cavities internally open. Hindwings have anal lobe but no radial hinge.

Systematics

Currently, about 60 species are known. The family is divided into three subfamilies:
Until recently, species of this family had been included in the family Silphidae, but are now considered more closely related to the family Leiodidae.