Home » Macrophotography » The Order of Beetles (Coleoptera) » Polyphaga – The Largest Suborder of Beetles

Cucujiformia – Phytophagous Beetles

Cucujiformia are one of the largest and most diverse groups among beetles. They comprise several superfamilies whose species are primarily phytophagous, meaning they feed on plant materials such as leaves, seeds, stems, or wood. Notable families include the Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), Curculionidae (weevils), and Coccinellidae (ladybugs), some of which are predatory. Cucujiformia play a major role in ecosystems as primary consumers, pollinators, or sometimes agricultural pests. This page provides an introduction to their diversity, ecological adaptations, and general morphological characteristics.

Cucujiformia, also known as cucujoids, are a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Coleoptera. They include a wide range of families, some highly specialized to particular habitats, while others are more generalist. These insects share common features, such as antennae usually composed of 11 segments and well-developed labial and maxillary palps.

Cucujiformia are found in a variety of environments, from forests to urban areas, including aquatic habitats and agricultural zones. They occupy various ecological niches, often feeding on decaying organic matter, plants, fungi, other insects, or stored products such as grains.

Notable members of Cucujiformia include weevils (Curculionoidea), one of the largest insect groups in the world, which include pests of crops and trees, as well as the Ptinidae family, which includes furniture and grain beetles.

The infraorder Cucujiformia represents the largest group of plant-eating beetles.

It includes 7 superfamilies. Only the families I have observed are listed:

Cucujiformia

Superfamily Chrysomeloidea
- Family cerambycidae
- Family chrysomelidae
Superfamily Cleroidea
- Family melyridae
Superfamily Coccinelloidea
- Family coccinellidae
Superfamily Cucujoidea
Superfamily Curculionoidea
- Family curculionidae
Superfamily Lymexyloidea
Superfamily Tenebrionoidea
- Family tenebrionidae

The Cerambycidae – Longhorn Beetles

Overview of the Cerambycidae family, recognizable by their long antennae and their life cycle closely tied to wood.

The Chrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Overview of the Chrysomelidae, a family of beetles with varied shapes and colors, often observed on the plants they feed on.

The Coccinellidae – Lady Beetles

Overview of the Coccinellidae, well-known beetles often red with black spots, playing a key role in biological control of aphids.

The Curculionidae – Weevils

Overview of the Curculionidae, an impressive family of beetles easily recognizable by their rostrum, specialized in plants.

The Melyridae – Soft-winged Flower Beetles

Overview of the Melyridae, small colorful beetles often observed on flowers, sometimes mistaken for other close families.

The Tenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Overview of the Tenebrionidae, a family of robust beetles often found in dry habitats, with remarkable adaptations.