Overview
The Artheneidae were considered until recently by most workers to be a subfamily of the Lygaeidae. We have followed the revision by Henry (1997) and recognised them at family rank.
Very little is known of the biology of the Artheneidae. Research on Australian species suggests that they feed on the fruits or seeds of
Eucalyptus
or
Leptospermum
species. They possibly overwinter in leaf litter.
Distribution
Only two species are recorded from Australia, both from the endemic genus
Dilompus
.
Dilompus robustus
is found from north-eastern Queensland down the east coast, including Lord Howe Island and Tasmania, and across to South Australia.
Dilompus woodwardi
is found in Victoria and south eastern NSW as well as south western Western Australia.