COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > CUCUJOIDEA > Montomidae

The common name of this family is rather misleading as most British species are predatory rather than root feeding. They are separated into two distinct subfamilies; Rhizophaginae consisting of 13 species that mainly occur under bark, and Monotominae with 10 species that are more likely to be found amongst decaying vegetation. They are typically elongate and rather parallel-sided, varying in size from as small as 1.5mm to no more than 6mm.

Rhizophagus dispar is a locally common species in the UK occurring under bark of both broadleaved and coniferous trees in various stages of decay, especially fallen trees where fungus is growing. Adults are around 3-4mm long and reddish-brown in colour with a darkened almost black wide band across the elytra. The head is relatively large and, across the eyes, is as broad as the widest part of the pronotum. The antennae are 11-segmented and inserted laterally in front of the large eyes. The elytra has prominent shoulders, and is broadest around the middle, before tapering towards the tip.

New family added, Feb.23 (v.1)