Assimineidae

Assimineidae is a family of small to medium-sized beetles, belonging to the superfamily Cucujoidea. They are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies, which are typically brown or black in color. The family is found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions. Assimineidae are often associated with decaying plant material and are known to feed on fungi and other microorganisms.

The family includes approximately 100 species, which are further divided into several genera. The most well-known genus is Assiminea, which contains around 60 species. These beetles are often found in damp environments, such as rotting wood, leaf litter, and compost. They are also known to inhabit the nests of social insects, where they feed on fungal growths.

Assimineidae are of interest to entomologists due to their unique feeding habits and their role in the decomposition process. They are also used in forensic entomology to estimate the time of death in cases involving decomposition. The family is not considered to be of significant economic importance, but they do play a role in the natural breakdown of organic matter.