Anthocomus fasciatus
This record describes Anthocomus fasciatus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a tiny little beetle only 4 mm long. It has to be seen in good light to appreciate that it has red markings on its black elytra. Anywhere a food source is to be found such as low vegetation or even on the sills of outbuildings etc. where tiny gnats and flies congregate. Often swept from long grass beneath trees. Despite its size the adult is a predator of even smaller insects. The larvae of Anthocomus are predatory on the larvae of wood-boring beetles. Most records seem to come from the southern half of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Melyridae
- Genus
- Anthocomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere a food source is to be found such as low vegetation or even on the sills of outbuildings etc. where tiny gnats and flies congregate. Often swept from long grass beneath trees.
Seasonal Activity
Best time is May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Despite its size the adult is a predator of even smaller insects. The larvae of Anthocomus are predatory on the larvae of wood-boring beetles.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most records seem to come from the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthocomus fasciatus. 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 Anthocomus fasciatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthocomus fasciatus
What is Anthocomus fasciatus?
Anthocomus fasciatus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Anthocomus fasciatus found?
Habitat: Anywhere a food source is to be found such as low vegetation or even on the sills of outbuildings etc. where tiny gnats and flies congregate. Often swept from long grass beneath trees.
When is Anthocomus fasciatus active?
Anthocomus fasciatus: seasonal activity - Best time is May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Anthocomus fasciatus?
Despite its size the adult is a predator of even smaller insects. The larvae of Anthocomus are predatory on the larvae of wood-boring beetles.