Csóka, György and Kovács, Tibor (1999): Xilofág rovarok - Xylophagous insects. Hungarian Forest Research Institute. Erdészeti Turományos Intézet, Agroinform Kiadó, Budapest, 189 pp.
Usually relatively large beetles, ranging from 5 mm (Aesalus scarabeoides) up to 100 mm (Lucanus cervus). Their antenna are stalked, the first segment is elongated and the following segment joins the first at right angles. The last 3-4 segments of the antenna are elongated and disc-like. Sexual dimorphism - mainly difference in size of the mandibles - is common in this group, but in some cases (Aesalus) it is scarcely detectable. Only 6 species represent the family in Hungary, only 0.5 % of the species richness known world-wide. All species are saproxylic. Their larvae are grub-like, curled. The vertically located head is globular, with strong mandibles. All three pairs of legs are well developed. The anus of the larvae is a characteristic longitudinal split. After their usually long development - lasting for up to 4-5 years - the larvae make a pupal case using wood chips and soil fragments. The pupae are free. The adults feed on sap seeping from wood, on nectar of flowers of a range of plants, or they do not feed at all. The species included in this book are active from dusk, and hide during the day.
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