Cartodere nodifer
This record describes Cartodere nodifer (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a minute scavenger beetle sometimes called a mould beetle, and measures 1.5 to 2 mm in length. Colour when mature is dull black and the mature specimens have a waxy membrane to the sides of the pronotum and on various parts of the ventral surface. Younger specimens may be browner than mature adults. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Various habitats including in fungi, grass tussocks and litter. They tend to avoid very dry areas. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Cartodere nodifer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartodere_nodifer.
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
Various habitats including in fungi, grass tussocks and litter. They tend to avoid very dry areas.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur all year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cartodere nodifer. 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 nodifer (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cartodere nodifer
What is Cartodere nodifer?
Cartodere nodifer is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cartodere nodifer found?
Habitat: Various habitats including in fungi, grass tussocks and litter. They tend to avoid very dry areas.
When is Cartodere nodifer active?
Cartodere nodifer: seasonal activity - Adults occur all year round..