Cercyon quisquillius
Cercyon quisquilius
This record describes Cercyon quisquilius (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Although tiny this species is soon recognised by its golden brown colouration and rather elongate form. Early spring to late autumn peaking in summer. Breed in dung, but associated with all kinds of decaying matter. Widespread and frequent in the southern half of Britain.
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
Around cow dung.
Seasonal Activity
Early spring to late autumn peaking in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Breed in dung, but associated with all kinds of decaying matter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and frequent in the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cercyon quisquilius. 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 quisquillius (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cercyon quisquillius
What is Cercyon quisquillius?
Cercyon quisquillius (Cercyon quisquilius) is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cercyon quisquillius found?
Habitat: Around cow dung.
When is Cercyon quisquillius active?
Cercyon quisquillius: seasonal activity - Early spring to late autumn peaking in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Cercyon quisquillius?
Breed in dung, but associated with all kinds of decaying matter.