Cercyon unipunctatus
This record describes Cercyon unipunctatus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very small (about 2 mm) beetle. The straw brown elytra have a single large blackish spot. Although this is a water scavenging beetle, it flies well and has been attracted to light, and recorded on dung. Summer is the best time to see this species, although it can be found all year round. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Although this is a water scavenging beetle, it flies well and has been attracted to light, and recorded on dung.
Seasonal Activity
Summer is the best time to see this species, although it can be found all year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cercyon unipunctatus. 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 unipunctatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cercyon unipunctatus
What is Cercyon unipunctatus?
Cercyon unipunctatus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cercyon unipunctatus found?
Habitat: Although this is a water scavenging beetle, it flies well and has been attracted to light, and recorded on dung.
When is Cercyon unipunctatus active?
Cercyon unipunctatus: seasonal activity - Summer is the best time to see this species, although it can be found all year round..