Eucnemidae

Eucnemidae is a family of beetles belonging to the superfamily Elateroidea. They are commonly known as click beetles due to the distinctive clicking sound produced by males during courtship displays. This family is characterized by their elongated bodies, with the males often having enlarged hind legs and a distinctive "clicking" mechanism in their abdomen.

The family Eucnemidae is found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions. They are often associated with decaying vegetation and are known to feed on fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Some species are also known to be predators of other insects.

The taxonomy of Eucnemidae is complex, with over 1,000 described species. They are typically divided into two subfamilies: Eucneminae and Eucnemidinae. The Eucneminae are characterized by their smooth elytra (wing covers) and are found in the Old World, while the Eucnemidinae have more sculptured elytra and are found in the New World.

Eucnemidae are of interest to entomologists due to their unique biology and behavior. The clicking mechanism in males is a fascinating example of sexual selection, and the family's association with decaying vegetation provides insights into the role of insects in nutrient cycling.