Simplocaria metallica

(Sturm, 1807)

Metallic Pill Beetle

Simplocaria metallica is a in the , distributed across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It is an obligate specialized on mosses, particularly in the Pohlia, Ceratodon, and Bryum. The species has been studied in forest of northern Alberta, Canada, where it occurs alongside other pill beetle species.

Simplocaria metallica by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Simplocaria metallica by M. Virtala. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Simplocaria metallica: //ˌsɪmploʊˈkɛəriə məsˈtælɪkə//

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Images

Habitat

Forest , specifically in northern Alberta, Canada where it has been documented in association with forested environments. The occupies microhabitats within these forest systems, though specific structural requirements remain incompletely documented.

Distribution

Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China); North America including northern Alberta, Canada.

Diet

Obligate feeding primarily on mosses. Documented mosses include Pohlia filum, Ceratodon purpureus, and Bryum arcticum. Both sexes share this diet preference, with particular affinity for mosses in the Pohlia.

Host Associations

Pohlia filum - primary moss
Ceratodon purpureus - moss
Bryum arcticum - moss
Pohlia - preferred moss