Adephaga

insect suborder

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July 15, 2026

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Adephaga is a suborder of beetles within the order Coleoptera. These beetles are characterized by their predaceous nature and typically possess filiform (threadlike) antennae. A distinguishing feature is that the first ventral abdominal segment is divided by the hind coxal cavities. The term "adephagous" is an adjective used to describe anything related to this suborder. Beetles, in general, have a body divided into a head, thorax, and abdomen, with modifications in their legs and wings for various functions like running, swimming, or digging.123

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Coleoptera
Annotated classification
Suborder Adephaga Larval structure primitive; legs specialized for predatory life; hind coxae of legs immovably fixed to metasternum; distinct notopleural suture between notum and pleural sclerites; wing with base of Rs (radial sector) vein distinct. Family Amphizoidae (trout-stream beetles) About 5 species (Amphizoa)
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Suborder Adephaga Larval structure primitive; legs specialized for predatory life; hind coxae of legs immovably fixed to metasternum; distinct notopleural suture between notum and pleural sclerites; wing with base of Rs (radial sector) vein distinct. Family Amphizoidae (trout-stream beetles) About 5 species (Amphizoa)
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