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wedge-shaped beetle
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wedge-shaped beetle

insect
Also known as: Rhipiphoridae
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Quick Summary

The term "wedge-shaped beetle" primarily refers to the family Ripiphoridae. These are small beetles, with about 400 species, known for their parasitic habits on other insects, particularly wasps. They have a complicated life cycle that involves hypermetamorphosis. Some beetles, like those in the family Mordellidae, are also described as wedge-shaped and are commonly found on flowers.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. Rhipiphoridae
  2. Coleoptera - Annotated classification
  3. Coleoptera - Size range and diversity of structure
  4. Coleoptera - Feeding habits and habitats

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