Asendinidae

Asendinidae is a family of small, often minute, beetles belonging to the superfamily Cucujoidea. They are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters in length, and their distinctive body shape. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Asendininae and Pselaphinae. Asendininae are typically smaller and have a more rounded body shape, while Pselaphinae are larger and have a more elongated body shape.

Asendinidae are found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions. They are often associated with decaying plant material and are considered to be saprophagous, feeding on fungi and other microorganisms. Some species are also known to feed on small insects and other arthropods.

The family is named after the genus Asendina, which was described by the French entomologist Pierre André Latreille in 1802. The family has been the subject of numerous taxonomic studies, and its classification has been revised several times over the years. As of 2021, the family is recognized as containing over 1,000 species, with the majority belonging to the subfamily Pselaphinae.