Corioxenidae

Corioxenidae is a family of small, often minute, beetles belonging to the order Coleoptera. They are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 millimeters in length, and their distinctive body shape. The family includes about 100 species, which are found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions. Corioxenids are often associated with fungi and are known to feed on fungal spores and hyphae. They have a unique reproductive strategy, with males often being significantly smaller than females and lacking wings. The family is divided into two subfamilies, Corioxeninae and Pselaphinae, with the latter being the more diverse. Corioxenidae are of interest to entomologists due to their ecological role in fungal ecosystems and their unique life history traits. Despite their small size, these beetles play a significant role in the decomposition process of organic matter.