Poultry-pest-management
Guides
Carcinops
clown beetles
Carcinops is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, containing at least 50 described species. These small beetles are known primarily from their role as biological control agents in poultry operations, where they prey on fly eggs and larvae. The genus was established by Marseul in 1855 and belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae.
Carcinops pumilio
poultryhouse pill beetle
Carcinops pumilio is a small histerid beetle widely distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It is a specialized predator of filth flies, particularly house flies (Musca domestica) and little house flies (Fannia canicularis), consuming both eggs and first-instar larvae. The species has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent in poultry operations, where it inhabits manure accumulations. Adults exhibit a distinctive prey-mediated dispersal behavior, clinging to flies to locate ephemeral breeding resources more efficiently than by walking or flying alone.
Fuscuropoda
uropodid mite
Fuscuropoda is a genus of predatory mites in the family Dinychidae (order Mesostigmata). The best-known species, Fuscuropoda vegetans, serves as a biological control agent in poultry facilities, where it preys on early-stage house fly larvae in manure. These mites occur naturally in most poultry operations and contribute to integrated pest management programs targeting fly populations.
Gnathoncus rotundatus
clown beetle
Gnathoncus rotundatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is a small beetle with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents. The species has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It is associated with poultry manure habitats where it functions as a biological control agent of fly pests.