Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
includes Languriidae [Lizard Beetles]
Explanation of Names
Family name is New Latin, from Greek
erotilos, meaning
sweetheart or
darling, that itself a diminutive derived from
eros (1).
Identification
Medium-sized, somewhat elongated to broadly oval beetles, usually black with yellow, brown, or red marks. Sometimes bicolored, with dark
elytra and bright
pronotum or
vice versa. A few striking species are marked boldly in blue and black. Other characters:
body shiny and lacks hairs (
setae)
antennae with broad, flat club, usually 3-segmented, sometimes with 4-5 segments
elytra usually with fine
striations
maxillary palps usually dilated
tarsal formula 5-5-5, but segment 4 often reduced
Some images showing variety of color patterns and/or specific characters:
See Also
Endomychidae - Handsome Fungus Beetles
Nitidulidae - Sap-feeding Beetles, elytra shorter, not striated
Tenebrionidae - Darkling Beetles, tarsal formula 5-5-4 (rear tarsi with 4 segments)
Print References
The Century Dictionary--entry for
Erotilos (1)
Field Guide to the Beetles (2)
Guide to Common Beetles (3)
American Beetles, Vol. 2, Chapters 86 & 87
(4)
Internet References
Univ. Wisconsin --
Endomychidae page - images of the 10 species known to occur in the state
