Household Fungus Beetle
Adistemia watsoni
This record describes Adistemia watsoni (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body elongate and depressed, pronotum without longitudinal ridges, head well produced in front of eyes. |
| Eyes | Eyes distant from rear margin of head (diagnostic vs. similar genera Dienerella & Acalyptoischion ) |
Wikipedia reference for Adistemia watsoni: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adistemia_watsoni.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Latridiinae
- Genus
- Adistemia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mainly in homes; common household pest known to infest a variety of moldy materials and to occur outdoors (decaying potatoes)
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan, spread by commerce
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Adistemia watsoni (Wollaston 1871)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Adistemia watsoni. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Household Fungus Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Household Fungus Beetle
What is Household Fungus Beetle?
Household Fungus Beetle (Adistemia watsoni) is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Household Fungus Beetle?
1.3-1.5 mm
How do you identify Household Fungus Beetle?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body elongate and depressed, pronotum without longitudinal ridges, head well produced in front of eyes. |
| Eyes | Eyes distant from rear margin of head (diagnostic vs. similar genera Dienerella & Acalyptoischion ) |
Where is Household Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mainly in homes; common household pest known to infest a variety of moldy materials and to occur outdoors (decaying potatoes) |
| Range | cosmopolitan, spread by commerce |