Leiodes calcarata
This record describes Leiodes calcarata (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It's very variable in size, 1.8 - 4 mm, and in colour, usually brown or reddish brown, but some being much darker than others. Not much is known about the biology of any of the subfamily Leiodinae, but it is probable that most of them feed as larvae on hypogeous fungi, i.e. those that have their fruiting bodies underground. Widespread but sometimes local in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Leiodidae
- Genus
- Leiodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Not much is known about the biology of any of the subfamily Leiodinae, but it is probable that most of them feed as larvae on hypogeous fungi, i.e. those that have their fruiting bodies underground.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but sometimes local in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Leiodes calcarata. 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.
