Cercyon pygmaeus
This record describes Cercyon pygmaeus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color variable; complete metasternal lines; narrow mesosternal crest; elytra without setae Earliest eastern specimens known are from Tyngsboro MA in 1868 & 1871. Earliest known specimens from the west coast were from Fieldbrook CA in 1903 and Monroe WA in 1905.
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
decaying organic matter, including compost, horse & cow manure, and debris near wet areas. Flies during the day and comes to light.
Geographic Range
Introduced from Palearctic. transcontinental in NA (across s.Canada & the US)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cercyon pygmaeus (Illiger 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cercyon pygmaeus. 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 pygmaeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cercyon pygmaeus
What is Cercyon pygmaeus?
Cercyon pygmaeus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cercyon pygmaeus?
1‒1.6 mm (smallest member of the genus)
How do you identify Cercyon pygmaeus?
Color variable; complete metasternal lines; narrow mesosternal crest; elytra without setae
Where is Cercyon pygmaeus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | decaying organic matter, including compost, horse & cow manure, and debris near wet areas. Flies during the day and comes to light. |
| Range | Introduced from Palearctic. transcontinental in NA (across s.Canada & the US) |