Cerylon histeroides
This record describes Cerylon histeroides (species). Recorded family: Cerylonidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very small beetle, 1.8 to 2.3 mm. Adults are dark brown, sometimes dark reddish-brown or even blackish. The pronotum is broadly quadrate and strongly punctured. It is superficially similar to C. fagi but is generally more slender in appearance and readily distinguished by the form of the antennae; here segments 4-7 are quadrate to slightly elongate, segments 8 and 9 are transverse and widest at, or very close to, the apex, and none are rounded laterally. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Adults and larvae inhabit a range of both deciduous and coniferous trees, often in woodland habitats, but not exclusively so. They may often be found beneath bark. Can be found in most months of the year. It is generally common across England and Wales though less so in the north and very local and sporadic further north.
Wikipedia reference for Cerylon histeroides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerylon_histeroides.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerylonidae
- Genus
- Cerylon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults and larvae inhabit a range of both deciduous and coniferous trees, often in woodland habitats, but not exclusively so. They may often be found beneath bark.
Seasonal Activity
Can be found in most months of the year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is generally common across England and Wales though less so in the north and very local and sporadic further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cerylon histeroides. 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 Cerylon histeroides (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerylon histeroides
What is Cerylon histeroides?
Cerylon histeroides is a species in the family Cerylonidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cerylon histeroides found?
Habitat: Adults and larvae inhabit a range of both deciduous and coniferous trees, often in woodland habitats, but not exclusively so. They may often be found beneath bark.
When is Cerylon histeroides active?
Cerylon histeroides: seasonal activity - Can be found in most months of the year..