Cortinicara gibbosa
This record describes Cortinicara gibbosa (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a minute scavenger beetle which is only 2 mm or less in length and has pitted brown elytra. Although it probably develops in decaying plant matter, it can also often be beaten in great numbers from Hawthorn flowers etc. All year round, but most frequent in late spring and summer. Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Cortinicara gibbosa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortinicara_gibbosa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Corticariinae
- Genus
- Cortinicara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Although it probably develops in decaying plant matter, it can also often be beaten in great numbers from Hawthorn flowers etc.
Seasonal Activity
All year round, but most frequent in late spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cortinicara gibbosa. 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 Cortinicara gibbosa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortinicara gibbosa
What is Cortinicara gibbosa?
Cortinicara gibbosa is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cortinicara gibbosa?
and has pitted brown elytra.
Where is Cortinicara gibbosa found?
Habitat: Although it probably develops in decaying plant matter, it can also often be beaten in great numbers from Hawthorn flowers etc.
When is Cortinicara gibbosa active?
Cortinicara gibbosa: seasonal activity - All year round, but most frequent in late spring and summer..