Paussidae are most curious looking beetles, with a flattened and depressed body and
antennae usually bloated out of all proportions, short Elytra not covering the whole abdomen.
The Elytra do not function as wings,
but when the beetle is airborne, they spread out and act as aelerons rather than as true wings. When at rest, they cover and protect the delicate and membranous hind wings, which are folded and tucked under the Elytra in a complicated manner.