Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Elodiidae Shuckard 1839 · Helodidae Agassiz 1846 · Cyphonidae Stephens 1829
family in great need of revision
(1)
Numbers
50 spp. in 12 genera in our area + numerous undescribed species
(1)(2)(3); ~800 spp. in 35 genera worldwide
(4)Identification
The multisegmented larval antennae separate this group from all other holometabolous insects
(1)
images of 12 eastern spp. in
(5)
Range
worldwide; most diverse in temperate regions; in our area, more diverse in the east
(1)Habitat
Larvae in stagnant and flowing water (mostly rich in decomposing plant material); adults on vegetation, in rotting plant material on shorelines, etc.; may be abundant in light traps run near water bodies
(6)Life Cycle
Larvae may go through as many as 11 instars
(6)Remarks
One of the most poorly known of the subaquatic beetle families; all the genera are in great need of revision. ‒J.H. Epler, 11.iv.2009