| Dascillidae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dascillus cervinus | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Elateriformia |
| Superfamily: | Dascilloidea |
| Family: | Dascillidae Guérin-Méneville, 1843 |
| Subfamilies | |
Dascillidae is a family of beetles within the cladeElateriformia. There are about 100 extant species in 11 genera, which are found worldwide. Dascillidae together withRhipiceridae form the super familyDascilloidea.[1]
The family was named byGuérin 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 ofElateroidea.[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 likeKarumia are associated with termites.[3]