Hairy Puffball Beetle
Pocadius helvolus
This record describes Pocadius helvolus (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nitidulinae
- Tribe
- Nitidulini
- Genus
- Pocadius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental in NA (e. US to the Pacific Northwest) into central Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: puffball mushroom (Lycoperdaceae) specialist
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pocadius helvolus Erichson 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pocadius helvolus. 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 Hairy Puffball Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hairy Puffball Beetle
How big is Hairy Puffball Beetle?
Adult 3.5-4.5 mm, mature larva 6.0-7.5 mm
Where is Hairy Puffball Beetle found?
Range: transcontinental in NA (e. US to the Pacific Northwest) into central Mexico
What does Hairy Puffball Beetle eat?
The diet of the Hairy Puffball Beetle includes puffball mushroom (Lycoperdaceae) specialist.