FAUNA 47 - EROTYLIDAE

Discover the fascinating world of the Erotylidae family with 'FAUNA 47 - EROTYLIDAE', an essential guide for enthusiasts and researchers alike. This comprehensive paperback offers in-depth insights into the nine species of New Zealand's Erotylidae, a relatively overlooked yet captivating group of beetles. Although globally there are around 3,500 Erotylidae species, New Zealand's representation remains under-studied, primarily due to their small size and subtle appearance. This title delves into advanced classification proposals, introducing two new tribes and genera which reshape our understanding of these intriguing beetles. Learn how these local Erotylidae fit into global taxonomies, linking them to their relatives across Australia, New Caledonia, South America, and possibly South Africa. Engage with detailed identification keys curated for accurate classification, as most species possess unique color patterns for easy recognition. This guide also touches on varied feeding behaviors within the Erotylidae, including mycophagy and plant consumption. Perfect for entomologists, ecologists, and nature enthusiasts, 'FAUNA 47 - EROTYLIDAE' is vital for grasping the intricate dynamics of New Zealand’s local fauna and its connections within the international Erotylidae family. Embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge and appreciation of beetles with this unique addition to your collection.

Author: Richard Leschen Publisher: Manaaki Whenua Press
Bind: paperback

Pages: 108
Publication Date: 28-02-2014

This contribution treats the nine species of the New Zealand Erotylidae, a small family considering there are approximately 3500 species worldwide. In New Zealand there has been little research into this family of beetles, perhaps because they tend to be mostly small and brown, though elsewhere they can be big and beautiful.



Part of this contribution proposes an amended classification for the world fauna of Erotylidae, by erecting two new tribes, describing two new genera, and making changes to generic status and family placement. How the New Zealand members of Erotylidae fit into this new classification is of primary importance for understanding the origins of our local fauna and how they relate to other erotylids. It also considers the phylogenetic or family relationships which the New Zealand species have with erotylid beetles throughout the rest of the world, such as Australia, New Caledonia, South America, and possibly South Africa.



The family can be easily separated from other groups, but a microscope will be necessary to discriminate these species from similar families such as Cryptophagidae. The identification keys which are supplied with this Fauna will help. The species are not difficult to identify, some having distinctive colour patterns that make for easy recognition. New Zealand’s fauna reflects the mixture of feeding types which make up the erotylid family, some feeding on fungus, others on plants and the remainder being scavengers feeding on plant and fungus tissues.



Annotated keys to the higher taxa and genera of all subfamilies except Erotylinae and Languriini are provided and biological information, including cycad feeding and mycophagy, is summarised.