Ptiliinae
| Ptiliinae | |
|---|---|
| Ptenidium pusillum from Die Käfer des Deutschen Reiches vol. 2 (1908) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Staphyliniformia |
| Family: | Ptiliidae |
| Subfamily: | Ptiliinae Erichson, 1845 |
| Tribes | |
Ptiliinae is the largest subfamily of feather-winged beetles (family Ptilidae). About 80% of the described genera of these very tiny beetles are contained herein; however, many more genera and species await description.
Like all members of their family, they are usually found in rotting organic material in a wide range of habitats. The clutch generally contains only a single egg, which is very large in comparison to the adult female, sometimes half as long as the beetle itself.