remains poorly understood. Oxypeltidae consists

of just three species from temperate South

America, while Disteniidae is found sparingly

throughout the tropics.

The Megalopodidae are uncommon, but

species occur throughout the world, especially in

warm places. Some species of the genus Zeugophora

are found in the northern temperate zone, as are

several species of Orsodacne (Orsodacnidae).

northern South America has been measured

up to 6½ in (16.5 cm), larger than a pet

hamster! The larva of this species, probably

living among the roots of giant rainforest

trees, has never been reported. As beetle

larvae are usually bigger than the adults

they become, this might mean that the

largest beetle in the world has not yet been

scientifically documented

above | Typodryas chalybeata

(Disteniidae) From Borneo,

this beetle shows how similar

the small family Disteniidae is

to Cerambycidae.

below | Vesperus luridus

(Vesperidae) This flightless

female from Italy exhibits

the swollen abdomen and

reduced wings.