Dascillidae is a family of beetles within the clade Elateriformia. There are about 100 extant species in 11 genera, which are found worldwide. Dascillidae together with Rhipiceridae form the super family Dascilloidea.[1]
Taxonomy
The family was named by Guérin Méneville in 1843.[2] The family is divided up into two poorly defined subfamilies, Karumiinae and Dascillinae.[3]
Description
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 of Elateroidea.[3]
Ecology
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 like Karumia are associated with termites.[3]
