Cerylonidae

Billberg, 1820

Minute Bark Beetles

Subfamily Guides

is a of minute beetles in the superfamily Coccinelloidea, comprising approximately 450 in 50 . These beetles are predominantly tropical and subtropical in distribution. They are strongly associated with dead wood , particularly under bark of dead trees, with some species occurring in compost and decaying plant material. Their feeding remains poorly understood; they are thought to be either of small or fungus-feeders.

Philothermus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Philothermus glabriculus by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cerylonidae: /sɛrɪˈloʊnɪdi/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar small by the combination of minute size (under 3 mm), smooth and shiny hairless body surface with only light punctation, and under bark of dead trees. Formerly confused with related families now placed in separate families within Coccinelloidea (Alexiidae, Euxestidae, Murmidiidae), which were historically included within . Identification to level requires examination of detailed morphological characters; keys exist for regional faunas such as the Ceryloninae genera Cerylon and Philothermus in France.

Images

Habitat

Primarily found under bark of dead trees; also occurs in compost and other decaying plant material. Strongly saproxylic association documented for multiple .

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with approximately 450 , predominantly tropical and subtropical. Documented from Europe including France (with specific records from Rhône-Alpes), Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), and other regions. Fossil †Protostomopsis known from Baltic amber (Eocene).

Diet

Feeding habits poorly documented; thought to be either feeding on other small animals or fungus-feeders. Philothermus have been reported feeding on fungal spores and mycelia.

Ecological Role

Saproxylic associated with dead wood decomposition. Role in processes not well quantified due to limited biological study.

Human Relevance

Minimal direct interaction with humans. Murmidius ovalis has been studied in stored products contexts. Rare such as Philothermus evanescens of interest to conservation biologists due to rarity and specificity.

Similar Taxa

AlexiidaeFormerly included within ; now recognized as separate within Coccinelloidea based on derived morphological characters
EuxestidaeFormerly included within ; separated based on phylogenetic and morphological distinctions in modern classifications
MurmidiidaeFormerly included within ; elevated to status within Coccinelloidea in recent taxonomic revisions

More Details

Taxonomic History

The circumscription of has changed substantially with modern phylogenetic revisions. The 'Cerylonid Series' of highly derived former Cucujoidea now comprises the superfamily Coccinelloidea. Current Cerylonidae sensu stricto includes Ceryloninae, Loeblioryloninae, and Ostomopsinae (Ślipiński 1990), with approximately 344 in 38 .

Biological Knowledge Gap

Despite the 's and worldwide distribution, specific biological information remains sparse. Most ecological statements rely on generalizations from limited observational data rather than systematic study.