Beetles of the family Heteroceridae (Insecta: Coleoptera) in extreme environments

Abstract

Heterocerid beetles (Heteroceridae) are morphologically and ecologically uniform (all members of the family are burrowing stratobionts). Nevertheless, some groups are obviously in an active and dynamic stage of evolution, and some species have a high ecological valency. This has allowed Heteroceridae to colonize semiaquatic environments almost globally and to inhabit some extreme and adverse biotopes.

Keywords

• ecology
• life form
• heteroceridae
• variegated mudloving beetles
• ecotone
• ecological niche
• distribution