Lymexylidae

Lymexylidae is a small family of beetles, commonly known as ship-timber beetles or tar beetles. This family comprises a single genus, Lymexylon, and is distributed across the Holarctic region, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Adult Lymexylidae are slender and elongated, typically measuring between 6 and 15 millimeters in length. Their coloration varies but often includes shades of brown, black, or reddish-brown. A distinctive feature of some species is the presence of elongated antennae in males, which can be elaborately feathered or comb-like, used for detecting pheromones released by females.

The larvae of Lymexylidae are wood-borers, feeding on the mycelia of fungi that grow within decaying wood. They are often found in dead trees or seasoned timber, and their presence can sometimes be associated with fungal decay. The larval stage is characterized by a grub-like form. The life cycle typically involves the larvae boring into the wood, where they develop over an extended period, sometimes for several years, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Adults emerge from the wood to reproduce. Lymexylidae are not considered significant pests of living trees, but their association with decaying wood and fungi sometimes leads to their discovery in wooden structures.