Cercyon littoralis
This record describes Cercyon littoralis (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body flat, elytral surface with microsculpture, pronotum and head without pronounced microsculpture except for the clypeus; mesosternal process long and narrow
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
Ocean beaches, under rotting seaweed and flotsam
Geographic Range
Holarctic, restricted to the Atlantic coasts in both NA & Europe
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cercyon littoralis Gyllenhal 1808
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cercyon littoralis. 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 littoralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by t.loh , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cercyon littoralis
What is Cercyon littoralis?
Cercyon littoralis is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cercyon littoralis?
2‒3.2 mm
How do you identify Cercyon littoralis?
Body flat, elytral surface with microsculpture, pronotum and head without pronounced microsculpture except for the clypeus; mesosternal process long and narrow
Where is Cercyon littoralis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ocean beaches, under rotting seaweed and flotsam |
| Range | Holarctic, restricted to the Atlantic coasts in both NA & Europe |