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Family CORYDIIDAE Saussure, 1864


Compiler and date details

May 2012 - D. Rentz, Kuranda, Queensland

A.M.E. Roach & D.C.F. Rentz, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

  • Corydiidae Saussure, 1864.
  • Polyphagidae Saussure, 1864 [subjective synonym; junior subjective synonym of Corydiidae. Brunner von Wattenwyl (1865) as First Reviser chose to use Corydiidae (based on Corydiens Saussure, 1864) as the name for the group rather than Polyphagidae (this name was first used in this form by Walker, 1868). Corydiidae was in common usage until Princis incorrectly synonymised it in 1950 (for details see Kevan (1977))].

 

Introduction

Until recently the Corydiidae was called the Polyphagidae in all Australian literature, including the earlier version of this checklist (see Roach & Rentz 1998). The Corydiidae comprises two subfamilies, the Corydiinae and the Tiviinae, both of which have representatives in Australia. This is considered an ancient group of cockroaches and has representatives in all geographical regions of the world.

Australian corydiids are small delicate cockroaches that are often encountered at light traps. They are characterised by having the anal area of the wing not folded fan-like in repose as is the case with other cockroaches. They often have a postclypeal swelling on the frons. Virtually nothing is known of their natural history.

The subfamily Corydiinae is represented by Austropolyphaga and Polyphagoides. Austropolyphaga is comprises two species from south-eastern Queensland but they probably also occur in northern New South Wales. Polyphagoides is a rainforest genus with a single described species that is a bit larger than the others and quite hairy.

The Tiviinae contribute a single genus, Tivia, which is found only in north-western Western Australia.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
29-May-2012 29-May-2012 MOVED
04-Jan-2012 29-May-2012 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)