Net-winged Beetles

Lycidae, commonly known as net-winged beetles, is a family of beetles distinguished by their strikingly lacy or net-like, delicate wing covers which are often brightly colored in hues of orange, red, or yellow to warn predators of their toxicity. These beetles are found worldwide, particularly thriving in tropical and subtropical forests where they prefer humid environments. Lycidae adults are typically found on foliage where they feed on nectar and pollen, while their larvae are predatory, feeding on small arthropods and other soft-bodied invertebrates. The appearance of Lycidae beetles is an example of Müllerian mimicry, a biological phenomenon where two or more harmful species, such as certain wasps or other toxic beetles, resemble each other to enhance predator avoidance. This family plays an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit, both as pollinators and participants in the food web.