Cartodere bifasciata
This record describes Cartodere bifasciata (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a minute scavenger beetle sometimes called a mould beetle, and measures little more than 2 mm in length. The elytra are gold-brown in colour and are marked with a darker patterning of large dot like blotches. The elytra are also studded with rows of dimples. All year round but best from spring to autumn. Fairly common with scattered records from across England and Wales it is probably under recorded due to its diminutive size.
Wikipedia reference for Cartodere bifasciata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartodere_bifasciata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Latridiinae
- Genus
- Cartodere
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found in leaf litter.
Seasonal Activity
All year round but best from spring to autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common with scattered records from across England and Wales it is probably under recorded due to its diminutive size.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cartodere bifasciata. 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 Cartodere bifasciata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cartodere bifasciata
What is Cartodere bifasciata?
Cartodere bifasciata is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cartodere bifasciata found?
Habitat: Often found in leaf litter.
When is Cartodere bifasciata active?
Cartodere bifasciata: seasonal activity - All year round but best from spring to autumn..