ColeopteraHydrophilidae – Water Scavenger Beetles

Cercyon marinus

This record describes Cercyon marinus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Cercyon marinus - Cercyon marinus
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Elytral striae disappear at the apex, yellow lateral elytral markings narrow, width extending to 9th stria and usually not quite reaching the humeral angle

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

wet habitats, similar to that of C. cinctus ; often attracted to lights

Geographic Range

Holarctic; in our area, widespread in the north (AK, across Canada), south to n. CA, CO, MI

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cercyon marinus Thomson 1853

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cercyon marinus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Cercyon marinus (5)

Cercyon marinus - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Cercyon marinus - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Cercyon marinus - photo 3
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Cercyon marinus - photo 4
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Cercyon marinus - photo 5
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Cercyon marinus

What is Cercyon marinus?

Cercyon marinus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Cercyon marinus?

2-3 mm

How do you identify Cercyon marinus?

Elytral striae disappear at the apex, yellow lateral elytral markings narrow, width extending to 9th stria and usually not quite reaching the humeral angle

Where is Cercyon marinus found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatwet habitats, similar to that of C. cinctus ; often attracted to lights
RangeHolarctic; in our area, widespread in the north (AK, across Canada), south to n. CA, CO, MI

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.