Sphaeridium lunatum
This record describes Sphaeridium lunatum (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5.5 to 7.5 mm. A very smooth, blackish dome shaped beetle with pale yellow tips to the elytra and faint reddish blotches on its sides. Requires gen det to be certain of species. Adults feed on the fresh dung of herbivorous animals; their young are predators of small insect larvae. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Sphaeridium lunatum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaeridium_lunatum.
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
Around herbivorous animals.
Seasonal Activity
April to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults feed on the fresh dung of herbivorous animals; their young are predators of small insect larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeridium lunatum. 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 lunatum (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeridium lunatum
What is Sphaeridium lunatum?
Sphaeridium lunatum is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphaeridium lunatum?
5.5 to 7.5 mm. A very smooth, blackish dome shaped beetle with pale yellow tips to the elytra and faint reddish blotches on its sides.
Where is Sphaeridium lunatum found?
Habitat: Around herbivorous animals.
When is Sphaeridium lunatum active?
Sphaeridium lunatum: seasonal activity - April to October..
What is the life cycle of a Sphaeridium lunatum?
Adults feed on the fresh dung of herbivorous animals; their young are predators of small insect larvae.