The checkered beetles (Cleridae) are a globally distributed coleopteran family coontaining approximately 4000 species. The taxon receives its common name from the “checkered” pattern of red, orange, and black patches on the elytra of some members of the family.

 

Clerids exhibit a broad range of morphological features but can often be identified to family by the following traits: 5-5-5 tarsal formula, one palearctic subfamily 5-5-4, some with first or fourth tarsomere reduced; moderately setose; tarsomeres often lobed or with dense tufts of pubescence beneath; 9– 11 antennomeres; antennae usually expanded at apex, terminal antennomeres often spatulate; eyes often prominent, typically occupying a majority of the lateral surface of the head; pronotum basally constricted in many.

 

Most members of this family are predators of other insects, though some species feed on pollen or decaying animal matter. Many species are known to prey on xylophagous insects, including some members of the families Cerambycidae, Buprestidae, and Curculionidae that are important forest pests. While recent work has improved our understanding of the biology of a few clerid taxa, many others remain poorly known.