General Overview of Saproxylic Coleoptera

Abstract

A broad survey of saproxylic beetles (Coleoptera) from literature and personal observations was conducted, and extensive references were included to serve as a single resource on the topic. Results are summarized in a table featuring all beetle families and subfamilies with saproxylicity indicated for both adults and larvae (where known), along with information on diversity, distribution, habits, habitat, and other relevant notes. A discussion about the prevalence of and evolutionary origins of beetles in relation to the saproxylic habitat, as well as the variety of saproxylic beetle habits by microhabitat, is provided. This initial attempt at an overview of the entire order shows that 122 (about 65%) of the 187 presently recognized beetle families have at least one saproxylic member. However, the state of knowledge of most saproxylic beetle groups is extremely fragmentary, particularly in regard to larval stages and their feeding habits.