Sphaeridium scarabaeoides
This record describes Sphaeridium scarabaeoides (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 7 mm. Whilst normally a well-marked beetle where the black elytra have a dark red blotch and pale yellow-brown in the rear third, it can be variable and could be confused with other similar species. A key feature is the thin yellow line on the side margins of the pronotum. See ID guidance below. Sphaeridium substriatum can look very similar. This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted. Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Sphaeridium scarabaeoides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaeridium_scarabaeoides.
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 cattle dung.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with cow dung.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeridium scarabaeoides. 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 scarabaeoides (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeridium scarabaeoides
What is Sphaeridium scarabaeoides?
Sphaeridium scarabaeoides is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphaeridium scarabaeoides?
5 to 7 mm. Whilst normally a well-marked beetle where the black elytra have a dark red blotch and pale yellow-brown in the rear third, it can be variable and could be confused with other similar species. A key feature is the thin yellow line on the side margins of the pronotum. See ID guidance below.
Where is Sphaeridium scarabaeoides found?
Habitat: Around cattle dung.
When is Sphaeridium scarabaeoides active?
Sphaeridium scarabaeoides: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Sphaeridium scarabaeoides?
Associated with cow dung.