Cytilus alternatus
This record describes Cytilus alternatus (species). Recorded family: Byrrhidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
body convex and oval (shaped like a football in lateral view), dark brown with metallic sheen visible in good light; anterior margin of pronotum ovate/rounded, posterior margin composed of two concave arcs meeting at the midline to form a sharp point; elytra mottled with light gray patches Usually nocturnal but may sometimes be found in open areas on sunny days.
Wikipedia reference for Cytilus alternatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytilus_alternatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Byrrhoidea
- Family
- Byrrhidae (Pill Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Byrrhinae
- Tribe
- Byrrhini
- Genus
- Cytilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
sandy beaches, under logs, leaves, stones, damp mossy habitats in general
Geographic Range
across NA south to VA-IN-UT-CA
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in spring and early summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larvae feed on moss
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cytilus alternatus. 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 Cytilus alternatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Cytilus alternatus
What is Cytilus alternatus?
Cytilus alternatus is a species in the family Byrrhidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cytilus alternatus?
5-6 mm
How do you identify Cytilus alternatus?
body convex and oval (shaped like a football in lateral view), dark brown with metallic sheen visible in good light; anterior margin of pronotum ovate/rounded, posterior margin composed of two concave arcs meeting at the midline to form a sharp point; elytra mottled with light gray patches
Where is Cytilus alternatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy beaches, under logs, leaves, stones, damp mossy habitats in general |
| Range | across NA south to VA-IN-UT-CA |
What does Cytilus alternatus eat?
The diet of the Cytilus alternatus includes adults and larvae feed on moss.
When is Cytilus alternatus active?
Cytilus alternatus: seasonal activity - adults fly in spring and early summer.