Cicada parasite beetles
Scientific name: Rhipiceridae
Cicada parasite beetles
Scientific name: Rhipiceridae
Description
Among the many insect families, Rhipiceridae stands out not just for their unique appearance but for their remarkable roles in ecosystems. Members of the Rhipiceridae family use their intricately designed antennae, which are feathery in males, to detect pheromones—an essential tool for survival and reproduction. An interesting fact about this group is their role in the pollination of the cycad Ceratozamia, highlighting a specialised ecological interaction that many might not expect from a beetle.