Malthaidae

Malthaidae is a family of soft-bodied beetles commonly known as false soldier beetles. They are closely related to the true soldier beetles (Cantharidae) and share many physical characteristics. Malthaidae beetles are typically small to medium-sized, with elongated bodies and soft elytra, which are the hardened forewings characteristic of beetles. Their coloration can vary, often featuring reds, browns, and blacks, which can serve as aposematic signals, warning predators of their unpalatability.

These beetles are often found in damp environments, such as leaf litter, under bark, and in decaying wood. Their larvae are also soft-bodied and are typically predatory, feeding on small invertebrates like mites and springtails. Adult Malthaidae are believed to be omnivorous, feeding on pollen, nectar, small insects, and other organic matter.

The distribution of Malthaidae is primarily Palearctic and Oriental, with some species also found in North America. While not as widely known or extensively studied as some other beetle families, Malthaidae plays a role in their ecosystems as decomposers and predators in their larval stages, and as part of the food web as adults. Their soft bodies make them distinct from many other beetle families that possess harder exoskeletons. Identification of species within Malthaidae often relies on detailed examination of morphological features.