Biphyllus lunatus
This record describes Biphyllus lunatus (species). Recorded family: Biphyllidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3 to 3.5mm. Dark brown with with a dense patch of pale hairs in the middle of the elytra. Short curved setae around the outer edge of pronotum and elytra. Legs and antennae reddish brown. Usually found on or beneath King Alfred's Cakes fungus (Daldinia concentrica) on which the larvae feed. When the fungal food of the larva is fruiting. Fairly common across England but with fewer records in Wales and appears to be scarce in Scotalnd. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Biphyllus lunatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biphyllus_lunatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Biphyllidae
- Genus
- Biphyllus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found on or beneath King Alfred's Cakes fungus (Daldinia concentrica) on which the larvae feed.
Seasonal Activity
When the fungal food of the larva is fruiting.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common across England but with fewer records in Wales and appears to be scarce in Scotalnd.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Biphyllus lunatus. 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 Biphyllus lunatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Biphyllus lunatus
What is Biphyllus lunatus?
Biphyllus lunatus is a species in the family Biphyllidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Biphyllus lunatus found?
Habitat: Usually found on or beneath King Alfred's Cakes fungus (Daldinia concentrica) on which the larvae feed.
When is Biphyllus lunatus active?
Biphyllus lunatus: seasonal activity - When the fungal food of the larva is fruiting..