Clerid Beetles are also known as Checkered Beetles.

Cleridae is a medium-sized beetle family, with over 360 species described and named in Australia.

Both the adult and larval form of Clerid Beetles are active hunters, preying on other insects. These insects include other kinds of beetles - such as Longhorn and Jewel beetles. They can be found on flowers, on bark and in leaf litter. Some species are associated with fungi and some with termite mounds.

Some Clerids are brightly coloured or metallic, while others are dully coloured to suit the habitat they prefer. All have large eyes, strong legs and a long body. Some are quite hairy in appearance. Many Clerid species mimic other insects, including Velvet-ants and the narrow-waisted Sphecid Wasps. They range in size from 5 mm to 40 mm.