Cercyon fimbriatus
This record describes Cercyon fimbriatus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished by the deeply impressed, often connecting bases of the first and second striae; size and coloration highly variable The most common species of beach-dwelling Cercyon in the region
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Sphaeridiinae
- Tribe
- Megasternini
- Genus
- Cercyon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pacific beach specialist; usually among/under rotting seaweed and flotsam .
Geographic Range
NA Pacific Coast, AK to Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cercyon fimbriatus Mannerheim 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cercyon fimbriatus. 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 Cercyon fimbriatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cercyon fimbriatus
What is Cercyon fimbriatus?
Cercyon fimbriatus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cercyon fimbriatus?
2.8‒3.5 mm
How do you identify Cercyon fimbriatus?
distinguished by the deeply impressed, often connecting bases of the first and second striae; size and coloration highly variable
Where is Cercyon fimbriatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pacific beach specialist; usually among/under rotting seaweed and flotsam . |
| Range | NA Pacific Coast, AK to Mexico |