Atomaria wollastoni
This record describes Atomaria wollastoni (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae close at base (space between not greater than the distance to each eye); antennomere 1 much longer than 2; body elongate and parallel; width/length ratio < 0.35 (characters of Atomaria Stephens sensu stricto ). Base of pronotum without a strong transverse impression/ridge; pronotum widest at middle, lateral margins arcuate, hind angles rounded; 1.5-1.8 mm. (Modified from )
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; no available data found specifying the distribution in NA.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atomaria (Atomaria) wollastoni Sharp 1867
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Atomaria wollastoni. 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 wollastoni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charlene Wood; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Atomaria wollastoni
What is Atomaria wollastoni?
Atomaria wollastoni is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Atomaria wollastoni?
1.5-1.8 mm
How do you identify Atomaria wollastoni?
Antennae close at base (space between not greater than the distance to each eye); antennomere 1 much longer than 2; body elongate and parallel; width/length ratio < 0.35 (characters of Atomaria Stephens sensu stricto ). Base of pronotum without a strong transverse impression/ridge; pronotum widest at middle, lateral margins arcuate, hind angles rounded; 1.5-1.8 mm. (Modified from )
Where is Atomaria wollastoni found?
Range: Holarctic; no available data found specifying the distribution in NA.