Atomaria apicalis
This record describes Atomaria apicalis (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Atomaria apicalis (Atomaria apicalis) is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, commonly known as silken fungus beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Atomariinae, tribe Atomariini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Atomaria. Size: 1.3-1.6 mm.
Identification notes
See keys and habitus images in
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Cryptophagidae (Silken Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Atomariinae
- Tribe
- Atomariini
- Genus
- Atomaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic: ne. NA (NF-MB-IA-CT) and almost entire Palaearctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atomaria apicalis Erichson 1846
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Atomaria apicalis. 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 Atomaria apicalis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Atomaria apicalis
What is Atomaria apicalis?
Atomaria apicalis is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Atomaria apicalis?
1.3-1.6 mm
How do you identify Atomaria apicalis?
See keys and habitus images in
Where is Atomaria apicalis found?
Range: Holarctic: ne. NA (NF-MB-IA-CT) and almost entire Palaearctic