Cis bilamellatus
This record describes Cis bilamellatus (species). Recorded family: Ciidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This small brown beetle rarely exceeds 2 mm in length. Males may be identified by the broad erect plates on the clypeus and anterior margin of the pronotum, these vary greatly in size and this is not proportional to the size of the specimen, sometimes they are only weakly developed but they are always obvious. Females are probably best identified by association with the males. Associated with bracket fungi especially Piptoporus betulinus, although it has been recorded from beneath bark on a few occasions. All year round, with numbers building during spring months. Now widespread in much of the southern half of Britain, it has now spread as far north as the Scottish borders. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Ciidae
- Genus
- Cis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with bracket fungi especially Piptoporus betulinus, although it has been recorded from beneath bark on a few occasions.
Seasonal Activity
All year round, with numbers building during spring months.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Now widespread in much of the southern half of Britain, it has now spread as far north as the Scottish borders.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cis bilamellatus. 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 Cis bilamellatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cis bilamellatus
What is Cis bilamellatus?
Cis bilamellatus is a species in the family Ciidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cis bilamellatus?
and this is not proportional to the size of the specimen, sometimes they are only weakly developed but they are always obvious. Females are probably best identified by association with the males.
Where is Cis bilamellatus found?
Habitat: Associated with bracket fungi especially Piptoporus betulinus, although it has been recorded from beneath bark on a few occasions.
When is Cis bilamellatus active?
Cis bilamellatus: seasonal activity - All year round, with numbers building during spring months..