A family of 12 elongate species in Britain, 2-7mm long and often dorso-ventrally flattened as an adaptation to life beneath bark.  Largely predatory, several species (Uleiota, Dendrophagus and Silvanus spp.) are primarily found beneath tree bark while the remaining species are mostly found in stored produce or vegetable refuse.  Consequently many of these species (particularly Cryptamorpha and Cathartus spp.) are regularly imported on stored foodstuffs.