Pythidae

Pythidae [′pith·ə‚dē]

(invertebrate zoology)

An equivalent name for Salpingidae.

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Pythidae 

a family of beetles. The body measures 2–20 mm in length. The front of the head is elongate and sometimes proboscis-like. Distributed all over the world, the Pythidae are usually found under the bark of trees, where they feed on the rotting phloem. Some species are predatory and devour the larvae of bark beetles and long-horned beetles. There are approximately 300 species, about 30 of which are found in the USSR.

Pytho depressus is commonly found under the bark of coniferous trees in the forest zone. It measures 8–16 mm in length and is dark blue on top or sometimes brown; the abdomen, antennae, and legs are reddish. The larvae are cinnamon brown and flat with two projections at the posterior end of the body.