Silphidae

Silphidae is a family of beetles in the order Coleoptera, commonly known as silphids or carrion beetles. They are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies, which are typically dark in color, and their distinctive, club-like antennae. Silphids are found worldwide, with the majority of species occurring in the tropics. They are known for their role in the decomposition process of organic matter, including animal carcasses, plant material, and even human remains. This makes them important in ecological and forensic contexts. Silphids are often attracted to decaying organic matter due to the presence of volatile fatty acids, which they use as a food source. Their life cycle typically involves an egg, a larva, a pupa, and an adult stage. The larvae are often referred to as "dung beetle grubs" due to their association with decaying organic matter. Silphidae is a diverse family, with over 2,000 described species, and new species are still being discovered. Despite their ecological importance, silphids are not well-studied, and much remains unknown about their biology and behavior.