Sphaeridium bipustulatum
This record describes Sphaeridium bipustulatum (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most similar to S. marginatum . See Berge Henegouwen (1989). Non native, from the Palearctic region.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Sphaeridiinae
- Genus
- Sphaeridium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
terrestrial beetles that live in decaying organic material, especially in fresh mammal dung
Geographic Range
Smetana (1978) considered S. bipustuluatum widespread in North America, but records and ranges have not been revisited following the elevation of S. marginatum to species.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: predacious
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphaeridium bipustulatum Fabricius, 1781
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeridium bipustulatum. 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 Sphaeridium bipustulatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeridium bipustulatum
What is Sphaeridium bipustulatum?
Sphaeridium bipustulatum is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphaeridium bipustulatum?
4.4-6.3 mm
How do you identify Sphaeridium bipustulatum?
Most similar to S. marginatum . See Berge Henegouwen (1989).
Where is Sphaeridium bipustulatum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | terrestrial beetles that live in decaying organic material, especially in fresh mammal dung |
| Range | Smetana (1978) considered S. bipustuluatum widespread in North America, but records and ranges have not been revisited following the elevation of S. marginatum to species. |
What does Sphaeridium bipustulatum eat?
The diet of the Sphaeridium bipustulatum includes predacious.