LYMEXYLIDAE

Author: John F. Lawrence.

Classification

Suborder Polyphaga, Series Cucujiformia, Superfamily Lymexiloidea.

Description

Antenae with 11 segments, serrate or pectinate or clavate. Antennal insertions exposed or concealed. Visible portion of procoxa projecting bellow prosternum with the trochantin at least partly exposed. Procoxal cavity externally open and internally open. Mesocoxae contigous, with mesocoxal cavity laterally open. Tarsal formula 5-5-5. Numberof ventrites 5 to 7 without ventrites connate. Body length 7.5-35 mm. Elongate, slender, soft-bodied, pubescent, with elytra either very short (Atractocerus) or complete (Melittomma). Eyes large.

Quick identification

Lymexylidae in Central America is represented by two distinct genera: the very unusual Atractocerus (first figure) with highly reduced elytra and unfolded hind wings, and Melittomma (last figure) with complete elytra. Males have a very complex sensory ogran arising from the third maxillary palpomere (second figure).

Genera occurring in Costa Rica

Lymexylinae: Atractocerus.
Melittommatinae: Melittomma.

Atractocerus	© CSIRO Emtomology, 1999 Maxilar palpomere	© CSIRO Emtomology, 1999 Melittomma