Georissus pusillus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Hydrophiloidea
Family: Georissidae
Genus: Georissus
Species: pusillus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Georissus pusillus: /dʒiːˈɔrɪsəs pjuːˈsɪləs/

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Summary

Georissus pusillus is a small beetle belonging to the genus Georissus in the family Georissidae. They are commonly found in wet soil and are known for their predatory behavior on invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

Georissus pusillus are small beetles, measuring 1–2 mm in length with a broadly oval body, featuring an interrupted outline between the pronotum and the elytra. The head and pronotum are granulate, the prosternum is rudimentary, and the basal ventrite is very large.

Identification Tips

Look for their small size and broadly oval body shape. They also have distinctive granulate surfaces on the head and pronotum.

Habitat

They are typically found in wet soil, especially at the periphery of rivers and streams, as well as in tropical rainforest leaf litter.

Distribution

Georissus pusillus is found on every continent except Antarctica.

Diet

They are predators on invertebrates and may engage in cannibalism under laboratory conditions.

Ecosystem Role

As predators of invertebrates, they play a role in controlling pest populations within their ecosystem.

Evolution

Georissus pusillus belongs to the genus Georissus, which has about 75 living species and is divided into three subgenera. Recent molecular studies suggest their relation to the small groups of Hydrophiloidea.