Systematics, Evolution, and Diversity of Elateroid Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera).

Abstract

The superfamily Elateroidea (click beetles, fireflies, soldier beetles, net-winged beetles, and relatives) constitute a morphologically diverse group of polyphagan beetles with an ancient evolutionary history and worldwide distribution. Elateroids include numerous lineages that are paedomorphic, bioluminescent, or both. More than 31,500 extant and extinct described species belonging to almost 1,700 genera are currently classified in 18 families. Significant progress in our understanding of Elateroidea phylogeny, evolution, and systematics has been accelerated by advances in phylogenetics, phylogenomics, and imaging technologies for visualization and reconstruction of insect structures, including those of fossils. Additionally, several new families, both extant and extinct, have been discovered and described. Consequently, the classification of elateroid beetles and our views on the evolution of paedomorphosis and bioluminescence underwent dramatic changes over the last two decades. This review summarizes changes, major discoveries, and improvements in our knowledge of the Elateroidea.Updated on October 3, 2025.