Micrambe ulicis
This record describes Micrambe ulicis (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
1.8-2.3 mm. Elongate in outline, finely pubescent and variable in colour, though usually entirely pale brown but often with the head and thorax darker and with a triangular mark about the scutellum. The pronotum has partly serrated margins. The antennae are long with a three-segment club. Micrambe ulicis is very similar to Cryptophagus but without a tooth on the lateral pronotal margin.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cryptophagidae
- Genus
- Micrambe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that gorse is found.
Seasonal Activity
Numbers peak in spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nearly always found on gorse.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Micrambe ulicis. 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 Micrambe ulicis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micrambe ulicis
What is Micrambe ulicis?
Micrambe ulicis is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Micrambe ulicis found?
Habitat: Anywhere that gorse is found.
When is Micrambe ulicis active?
Micrambe ulicis: seasonal activity - Numbers peak in spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Micrambe ulicis?
Nearly always found on gorse.