Minute Bog Beetles

Sphaeriusidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Myxophaga
Family: Sphaeriusidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphaeriusidae: /sfɛɪˈriːjuːsɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Sphaeriusidae, or Minute Bog Beetles, are a family of very small beetles characterized by clubbed antennae and a habitat preference for aquatic environments like rivers and streams. They primarily feed on algae and are found globally, excluding South America.

Physical Characteristics

Very small beetles with clubbed antennae, large hind coxal plates, and abdominal sternites of unequal width

Habitat

Along rivers and streams, in bog mosses, and moist leaf litter

Distribution

Worldwide except South America; in our area, found in the southern US and Washington

Diet

Algae