Overview

Heterocerids tunnel in mud at the edges of ponds and streams and apparently subsist on algae, diatoms and organic debris.

Description

Elongate, densely pubescent beetles, with maculate elytra, prognathous head, large labrum, thick antennae, flattened, spinose tibiae and simple tarsi. Larvae elongate, tapered posteriorly, and clothed with scattered, dark, erect setae; mandibles flattened with a sub-basal, concave mola; ventral mouth-parts consolidated; S10 forming conical pygopod.

Distribution

The Australian fauna consists of the rare and unusual Elythomerus elongatulus from Qld and several species currently placed in Heterocerus . [Charpentier 1968.]