Contacyphon pusillus
This record describes Contacyphon pusillus (species). Recorded family: Scirtidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very small, blackish with paler elytral apices
Wikipedia reference for Contacyphon pusillus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contacyphon_pusillus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scirtoidea
- Family
- Scirtidae (Marsh Beetles)
- Genus
- Contacyphon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental: BC‒WA‒UT to QC‒n.FL
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Contacyphon pusillus (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Contacyphon pusillus. 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 Contacyphon pusillus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Contacyphon pusillus
What is Contacyphon pusillus?
Contacyphon pusillus is a species in the family Scirtidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Contacyphon pusillus?
~2 mm
How do you identify Contacyphon pusillus?
Very small, blackish with paler elytral apices
Where is Contacyphon pusillus found?
Range: transcontinental: BC‒WA‒UT to QC‒n.FL