All About Cleridae: A Fast Introduction to These Fascinating Beetles

Cleridae, commonly known as checkered beetles, are a diverse family of insects found within the order Coleoptera. Their unique appearance is characterized by elongate, parallel-sided bodies covered in long, bristly hairs, and they often sport bright, contrasting colors, such as yellow, red, orange, or blue against a black background.

These beetles lead varied lifestyles, with some acting as insect predators, while others function as scavengers or pollen feeders. A comprehensive mitochondrial genome-based phylogenetic study of Cleridae sheds light on their evolutionary history, tracing their origins back to around 160 million years ago during the mid-Jurassic period.

Cleridae Classification

Order Coleoptera

Cleridae belongs to the order Coleoptera, which comprises the diverse group of beetles. This order consists of a large number of species with various sizes, shapes, and colors. Some unique characteristics of beetles under this order include:

• Hardened forewings called elytra
• Chewing mouthparts

Superfamily Cleroidea

Within order Coleoptera, Cleridae is categorized under the superfamily Cleroidea. This group of beetles demonstrates a broad range of body shapes and feeding habits.

Family Cleridae

Family Cleridae, commonly known as checkered beetles, is a cosmopolitan family containing around 3,500 species worldwide. The family exhibits diverse and brightly patterned colors. Some features of beetles in this family are:

• Hairy bodies
• Long and narrow shapes
• Wide head and tapering thorax

An example of a checkered beetle is Clerus mutillarius: a striking red and black species.

Subfamilies

Family Cleridae is further divided into four main subfamilies. Let’s explore these subfamilies briefly.

Korynetinae

KORYNETINAE is a subfamily with specific characteristics. Physical features of Korynetinae beetles often include:

• Elongated bodies
• Distinctive antennae

Tillinae

TILLINAE is another subfamily within Family Cleridae. Its members are known for the following characteristics:

• Pronounced dorsal surface patterns
• Predacious nature

Clerinae

This subfamily, CLERINAE, is one of the largest and most varied within the Checkered beetles. Characteristics of Clerinae beetles are:

• Variable body shapes
• Vivid color patterns

Hydnocerinae

Lastly, HYDNOCERINAE is a subfamily known for a few distinguishable features, which consist of:

• Pronounced elytral ridges
• Predatory habits

In summary, Cleridae beetles are classified under Order Coleoptera and Superfamily Cleroidea, with various characteristics displayed by its four primary subfamilies: Korynetinae, Tillinae, Clerinae, and Hydnocerinae.

Identification and Description

Checkered Beetles

Checkered beetles, also known as Cleridae, are a captivating family of beetles known for their distinctive appearance and diverse behaviors. Here’s a quick guide to help you identify and appreciate these fascinating insects.

Size and Shape

• Elongate, parallel-sided bodies
• Covered in long, bristly hairs¹

Coloration

• Brightly colored with patches of yellow, red, orange, or blue¹
• Contrasting patterns against a black body¹

Habitat and Diet

• Some species are insect predators¹
• Others are scavengers or pollen feeders¹

Comparison Table

Overall, checkered beetles are easily identifiable by their vivid colors and elongate bodies. Their diverse behaviors as predators, scavengers, or pollen feeders add to their ecological importance. Keep an eye out for these vibrant and unique creatures next time you’re exploring the great outdoors!

Distribution and Habitat

Range

Cleridae, also known as checkered beetles, can be found in various regions across the globe. They are predominantly present in:

• North America
• Central America
• South America
• Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• Australia

Habitats

Forests and Woodlands

Cleridae inhabit a variety of habitats, with forests and woodlands being the most common. In these environments, they often prey on bark beetles, which are known to infest and damage trees. Examples of areas where both Cleridae and bark beetles can be found include:

• Temperate forests
• Boreal forests
• Tropical and subtropical forests and woodlands

Logs and other Wooden Structures

Cleridae can also thrive in other habitats where wood, dead trees, or wooden structures are present. These areas provide a conducive environment for bark beetles to thrive, which directly benefits Cleridae due to their predation on these pests.

Some examples of these habitats are:

• Old-growth forests with dead trees
• Forests with fallen logs
• Parks and urban areas with wooden structures such as benches

Comparison Table

Diet and Behavior

Predators

Cleridae, also known as checkered beetles, are generally predators that feed on various insects. Their diet includes:

• Wood-boring beetles
• Bark beetles
• Scale insects

For example, they can help control populations of bark beetles, which can damage trees. When it comes to comparing their feeding habits, Cleridae can be distinguished by:

Scavengers

Some Cleridae also act as scavengers, feeding on various organic materials like:

• Dead insects
• Decaying wood
• Carrion

For instance, the Necrobia spp. is a scavenging species that feeds on both live and dead insects, with a preference for carrion. The scavenging behavior of Cleridae involves:

• Locating decomposing materials
• Consuming the soft tissues

A primary pro of scavenging is the opportunity to locate a more abundant food source, while a con is the potential competition with other scavengers. Cleridae’s role as scavengers contributes to the decomposition process, recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

Biological Control

Role in Pest Management

Cleridae, also known as checkered beetles, are important biological control agents in pest management. They feed on various insect pests like bark beetles and wood borers, helping reduce their population.

These beetles use pheromones to locate their prey. Pheromones are chemical signals insects release to communicate with each other. Cleridae can detect these signals, which helps them track down and control pest populations effectively.

Pros of using Cleridae in pest management:

• Environmentally friendly
• Reduces the need for chemical pesticides
• Targets specific pests

Cons of using Cleridae in pest management:

• May require monitoring and release programs
• Not effective against all pests
• Takes time to establish populations in the field

Here are some features of Cleridae for pest management:

• Effective predators of insect pests
• Use pheromones for locating prey
• Can be introduced as part of an integrated pest management plan

Characteristics of Cleridae:

• Checkered pattern on body
• Antennae with distinct club shape
• Predatory, mainly feeding on insect pests

Notable Cleridae Species

Enoclerus

Enoclerus is a genus of checkered beetles with over 200 species found in various habitats around the world¹. Some key features of Enoclerus beetles include:

• Vibrant colors and patterns on their exoskeleton
• Predatory nature, feeding on other insects and pests

Phyllobaenus

Phyllobaenus beetles are known for their unique appearance and diverse diet². Key characteristics of this genus include:

• Elongated bodies covered in bristly hairs
• Brightly-colored patterns
• Diet consists of insects, scavenging, and pollen feeding

Isohydnocera

Isohydnocera is another group of checkered beetles within the Cleridae family³. Some important features are:

• Smaller and more narrow body compared to other genera
• Often found in wooded habitats

Cymatodera

Cymatodera are checkered beetles with a distinctive shape and design⁴. Characteristics of this genus include:

• Tapered thorax and wider elytra
• Patterns varying from spots to stripes

Placopterus

The Placopterus genus of checkered beetles is known for their robust appearance and intriguing colors⁵. Features of Placopterus beetles include:

• Heavily-built compared to other genera
• Vivid coloration with intricate patterns

Comparison Table

Phylogeny and Evolution

Mitochondrial Genome

The mitochondrial genome plays a crucial role in understanding the phylogeny and evolution of the Cleridae family. A recent study investigated the mitochondrial genomes of Cleridae, revealing insights into their nucleotide composition, codon usage, and substitutional rate. These aspects are vital for understanding the phylogenetic inter-relationships and mitochondrial biology of these beetles.

Examples of notable features found in the Cleridae mitochondrial genomes include:

• High AT content
• Typical codon usage pattern for insects
• Truncated genes

Divergence-Time Estimation

Estimating the divergence time of Cleridae is essential for understanding when they first appeared in history. The same study mentioned earlier performed a molecular clock analysis to estimate the divergence time. It found that the earliest divergence time of Cleridae was not later than 160.18 Mya (mid-Jurassic period).

Comparing Cleridae to other closely related families, such as Melyridae, can provide insights into divergence time:

Phylogenetic Relationships

The phylogenetic relationships of Cleridae are essential to understanding their taxonomy and evolution. Using mitochondrial genome data, scientists can infer the evolutionary relationships within the family. The suborder Polyphaga includes both Cleridae and Melyridae, which share some common ancestors.

Here are some key points related to the phylogenetic relationships of Cleridae:

• Cleridae is a monophyletic group
• Relationships among subfamilies are well-resolved
• Cleridae and Melyridae are closely related within the suborder Polyphaga

Understanding the phylogeny and evolution of Cleridae helps scientists classify and study these fascinating beetles more effectively. By examining their mitochondrial genomes, estimating divergence times, and analyzing phylogenetic relationships, researchers can uncover the rich history of Cleridae and continue to explore their intriguing biological characteristics.