Corticaria


Corticaria is a genus of beetles in the family Latridiidae.

Description

Beetles of this genus have a small transverse scutellum. In most species, the pronotum has a round impression before the base. The prosternum has a pubescent impression in front of each fore coxa, also visible from the sides. The sides of the prothorax are slightly dentate. The tarsi of all legs have three segments, as with all Latridiidae. In males, the first tarsomere of the fore tarsus is dilated.
In North America, this genus can be recognised by being >1.8 mm long and having rather elongate elytra.

Ecology

Corticaria in nature live on mouldy substances, bark, wood waste, leaf litter, decaying seaweed and flowering vegetation. They can also be found in artificial environments such as stables, barns and piles of wood.
Adults of Corticaria impressa have been seen grazing lichens on decaying hazel bark.

Species

This genus contains the following species: