Sphaeridium marginatum
This record describes Sphaeridium marginatum (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most similar to S. bipustulatum . See Berge Henegouwen (1989).
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
Geographic Range
Native to Palaerctic. Range in North America is unknown due to former synonymy with S. bipustulatum , but it is expected to be widely distributed in US and southern Canada like other species in the genus.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphaeridium marginatum Fabricius, 1787
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeridium marginatum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeridium marginatum
What is Sphaeridium marginatum?
Sphaeridium marginatum is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphaeridium marginatum?
5.0-6.7 mm
How do you identify Sphaeridium marginatum?
Most similar to S. bipustulatum . See Berge Henegouwen (1989).
Where is Sphaeridium marginatum found?
Range: Native to Palaerctic. Range in North America is unknown due to former synonymy with S. bipustulatum , but it is expected to be widely distributed in US and southern Canada like other species in the genus.