Squarenosed Fungus Beetle
Latridius minutus
This record describes Latridius minutus (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Squarenosed Fungus Beetle (Latridius minutus) is a species in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as minute brown scavenger beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Latridiinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Coccinelloidea. This species belongs to the genus Latridius. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 1.2-2.4 mm. It is found in the most common latridiid associated with stored products (incl. grains); especially frequent in putrid, mouldy vegetables and decaying hay/grass; in buildings, Hymenoptera nests, bird nests, manure heaps, decomposing fungi, wood stacks, on various mouldy objects; native habitats (e.g., coniferous forests); has been reared from dead conifer wood.
Wikipedia reference for Latridius minutus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latridius_minutus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Latridiinae
- Genus
- Latridius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
the most common latridiid associated with stored products (incl. grains); especially frequent in putrid, mouldy vegetables and decaying hay/grass; in buildings, Hymenoptera nests, bird nests, manure heaps, decomposing fungi, wood stacks, on various mouldy objects; native habitats (e.g., coniferous forests); has been reared from dead conifer wood ( 3 )
Geographic Range
native to Palaearctic, adventive in the New World; in our area, across so. Canada and the US (NF-AK to MD-LA-TX & CO-CA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: filamentous fungi ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latridius minutus (Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Latridius minutus. 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 Squarenosed Fungus Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Squarenosed Fungus Beetle
What is Squarenosed Fungus Beetle?
Squarenosed Fungus Beetle (Latridius minutus) is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Squarenosed Fungus Beetle?
1.2-2.4 mm
Where is Squarenosed Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | the most common latridiid associated with stored products (incl. grains); especially frequent in putrid, mouldy vegetables and decaying hay/grass; in buildings, Hymenoptera nests, bird nests, manure heaps, decomposing fungi, wood stacks, on various mouldy objects; native habitats (e.g., coniferous forests); has been reared from dead conifer wood ( 3 ) |
| Range | native to Palaearctic, adventive in the New World; in our area, across so. Canada and the US (NF-AK to MD-LA-TX & CO-CA) |
What does Squarenosed Fungus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Squarenosed Fungus Beetle includes filamentous fungi ( 3 ).