Small-beetle
Guides
Acoma mixta
Acoma mixta is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden in 1958. Adults measure 4.8–7.5 mm in length. The species is documented from Arizona, USA, though field observations suggest it may also occur in adjacent areas of New Mexico. Like other members of the genus Acoma, it is a dung-associated beetle, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Anacaena
Anacaena is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the tribe Anacaenini, containing at least 150 species worldwide. Adults range 1.5–3.3 mm in length. The genus is characterized by a slightly expanded second maxillary palpomere relative to the third, lack of metallic lustre on the dorsal head, slight hydrofuge pubescence on proximal metafemora, and a non-carinate prosternum. Species-level identification relies primarily on aedeagus morphology.
Bembidion mutatum
Bembidion mutatum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Gemminger & Harold in 1868. It is a small predatory beetle distributed across northern North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. The species belongs to the large genus Bembidion, which contains hundreds of species commonly found in diverse terrestrial and riparian habitats.
Brachiacantha arizonica
Arizona lady beetle, Arizona Spurleg
Brachiacantha arizonica, known as the Arizona lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.90–3.60 mm in length. The species is characterized by distinctive coloration: a yellow anterior margin and anterolateral angle on the pronotum, with black elytra bearing four yellow spots. It has been recorded from Arizona in North America.
Brachiacantha bollii
Boll's lady beetle, Confluent-spotted Spurleg
Brachiacantha bollii, commonly known as Boll's lady beetle, is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.40–3 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have a black pronotum with the anterior one-third yellow, while females have a black pronotum with a yellow anterolateral angle. The elytra display five large round spots. It has been recorded from Louisiana and Texas in North America.
Brachiacantha lepida
Lepidine Spurleg Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha lepida is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.50–3.60 mm in length. The species is known from Central America, with records from Mexico to Costa Rica. It is distinguished by specific coloration patterns on the head, pronotum, and elytra.
Brachiacantha testudo
Turtle Lady, Texas Ten-spotted Spurleg
A small North American lady beetle distinguished by its distinctive spotted pattern and turtle-like appearance. Adults measure 2.25–3.30 mm. The species has been recorded from Texas and is known by two common names reflecting its appearance and distribution.
Brachycoryna montana
Montana Tortoise Beetle
Brachycoryna montana is a small tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 2.5-3.4 mm in length. It is characterized by a uniformly black head, pronotum, and elytra. The species is distributed across western and central North America, from the Canadian prairies to the southwestern United States. Its specific food plant remains unknown, though adults have been collected on Artemisia species including big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata).
Caccoplectus
Caccoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Sharp in 1887 and contains approximately nine described species. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a common ecological strategy among pselaphine beetles. Most species have been described from the Neotropical region, particularly Central America.
myrmecophileant-associatedpselaphinerove-beetleNeotropicalStaphylinidaePselaphinaeArhytodinitropicalant-colony-inhabitantinquilinemicrohabitat-specialistleaf-littersoil-dwellingcrypticrarely-collectedsmall-beetlemorphologically-specialized1887-descriptionSharpCentral-AmericaPanamaColeopteraPolyphagaStaphyliniformiaStaphylinoideaPselaphitaegenus-levelnine-speciesconicusdegallierilucidusnuttingipectinatusschwarzisentisspinipessucineasspine-legged-pselaphidChandlerWoldaSchaeffer190619761986type-species-unknownrarely-observediNaturalist:-2-observationsCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedGBIF-acceptedNCBI-acceptedEukaryotaMetazoaHexapodaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliabeetleinsectarthropodanimalChaetocnema fuscata
Chaetocnema fuscata is a flea beetle (subfamily Alticinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It was described by R. White in 1996 as part of his revision of the genus Chaetocnema in North America. The species is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the genus, it is among the smallest flea beetles, with adults typically measuring 1–2 mm in length. The genus Chaetocnema includes several species associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological information for C. fuscata specifically remains limited.
Clambus pubescens
Clambus pubescens is a small beetle species in the family Clambidae, a group commonly known as minute beetles or fringe-winged beetles. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of Clambidae, it is characterized by its diminutive size and reduced wing venation with long marginal setae. The family Clambidae is a small but ancient lineage of polyphagan beetles with fossil records extending to the Cretaceous period.
Coccidula lepida
snow lady beetle, black arrow lady beetle
Coccidula lepida is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, known by the common names snow lady beetle and black arrow lady beetle. Adults measure 2.75–3.45 mm in length and are characterized by yellow elytra with black spots, a black head, and yellow body coloration. The species is distributed across northern North America, with records from Quebec to New Jersey, west to Alaska and Colorado, and additional Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Eidoreus politus
Eidoreus politus is a small beetle species in the family Eupsilobiidae, a group of polyphagan beetles formerly treated as part of Corylophidae. The species was described by Casey in 1895 and is known from collections across Central America and North America. Like other eupsilobiids, it is likely associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Elaphropus dolosus
Elaphropus dolosus is a small ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1848. It is recorded from North America, with documented occurrences in Canada and the United States. The genus Elaphropus comprises small carabid beetles often associated with riparian and moist habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Elaphropus incurvus
Elaphropus incurvus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1830. It belongs to a genus of diminutive carabids often associated with moist microhabitats. The species is documented from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. Like other members of Elaphropus, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Epuraea helvola
Epuraea cf. helvola is a small sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, characterized by its compact, oval body form and association with fermenting plant materials. The 'cf.' designation indicates the identification is provisional and based on morphological comparison rather than definitive confirmation. Members of this genus are frequently encountered in decaying vegetation, fungal fruiting bodies, and other microhabitats rich in yeasts and fungal growth. The species epithet 'helvola' (meaning tawny or yellowish-brown) likely references its coloration.
Helesius nigripennis
Helesius nigripennis is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) found in western North America. Adults measure approximately 2.45–3 mm in length and exhibit distinctive coloration with a red head and pronotal markings contrasting against black or dark brown elytra. The species has been recorded from Colorado and Montana.
Hydrocolus
Hydrocolus is a genus of small predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, subfamily Hydroporinae. The genus was erected in 2000 to accommodate several species previously placed in related genera, particularly Hydroporus. It contains approximately twelve described species distributed primarily in North America, with some species known from northern Europe. Species are associated with lentic and lotic freshwater habitats.
Hyperaspis bolteri
A small North American lady beetle in the genus Hyperaspis, measuring 3.0–3.25 mm. Distinguished by a highly distinctive color pattern and an extremely dull pronotal surface. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Hyperaspis connectens
connected lady, Confluent Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis connectens, commonly known as the connected lady or Confluent Sigil Lady Beetle, is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.3–3 mm in length. The species ranges from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean Islands to northern South America. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a specialized predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis cruenta
bloody lady beetle
Hyperaspis cruenta, commonly known as the bloody lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.50–2.65 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is known from Texas and New Mexico, with limited documented observations. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely preys on scale insects, though specific dietary records for this species are sparse.
Hyperaspis gemma Casey, 1899
Hyperaspis gemma is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae native to southwestern North America. Adults measure 2.20–2.80 mm and exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration. The species belongs to a genus known for predation on scale insects, though specific ecological details for H. gemma remain limited.
Hyperaspis oculaticauda
eye-tailed lady beetle
Hyperaspis oculaticauda, the eye-tailed lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.80–2.40 mm in length and are characterized by black elytra with a single apical spot. The species is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California, Nevada, and Oregon. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a specialized predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis ornatella
Hyperaspis ornatella is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.4–2.6 mm in length. Males have a yellow head and pronotum with a large rectangular black medial area; females have a black head and similar pronotal pattern. The elytra are black with yellow spots. The species name derives from Latin ornamentum, referencing its distinctive color pattern. The species is known from Florida and is part of a genus whose larvae are important biological control agents of scale insects.
Hyperaspis pinguis
Hyperaspis pinguis is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 3.30–3.50 mm in length. The species is known from Arizona in North America and is closely related to Hyperaspis lateralis, from which it can be distinguished by specific pronotal coloration patterns. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, this species is a predator of scale insects and likely contributes to biological control of these pests in its native range.
Hyperaspis postica
postica lady beetle
Hyperaspis postica, the postica lady beetle, is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.30–3.10 mm in length. The species is distinguished by a single apical spot on each elytron that varies in size and shape. It occurs from British Columbia to southern California, with additional records from Alberta, Arizona, and Colorado. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is likely a predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis proba
esteemed lady beetle, esteemed sigil lady beetle
Hyperaspis proba, commonly known as the esteemed lady beetle, is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America with a recorded range extending from Maine to South Carolina and westward to South Dakota and western Texas. Adults measure approximately 2–3 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration.
Hyperaspis querquesi
Hyperaspis querquesi is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.55–2.70 mm in length. The species is known from California, where it has been recorded in association with scale insects. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it likely functions as a biological control agent of scale insect pests.
Hyperaspis troglodytes
troglodyte lady beetle
Hyperaspis troglodytes, known as the troglodyte lady beetle, is a small North American species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.0-2.75 mm in length. The species is distinguished from similar Hyperaspis by the widely separated basal spots on the elytra. It has been recorded from six U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
Hyperaspis undulata
undulate lady beetle, Undulate Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis undulata is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.80–2.75 mm in length. The elytra are black with a distinctive lateral vitta (stripe). The species is distributed across much of North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba) and numerous U.S. states including Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Ischyropalpus nitidulus
antlike flower beetle
Ischyropalpus nitidulus is a small antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, measuring 2.6–3.3 mm in length. The species is widespread across North America from northern Mexico to southern Canada, with a notable absence from the southeastern United States. It has been documented as a predator of mites associated with Monterey pine.
Ischyropalpus occidentalis
antlike flower beetle
Ischyropalpus occidentalis is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. The species measures 2.4–2.8 mm in length. It occurs from Central America northward through Mexico to the southwestern United States. Like other members of Anthicidae, it exhibits an ant-mimicking appearance and behavior.
Isoplastus
Isoplastus is a genus of small carrion beetles in the family Leiodidae, first described by Horn in 1880. The genus belongs to the tribe Leiodini within the subfamily Leiodinae. Members of this genus are part of the diverse rove beetle assemblage (Staphyliniformia), though they are not rove beetles proper. Very few species have been described, and the genus remains poorly known biologically.
Lebia viridis
colorful foliage ground beetle
Lebia viridis is a predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized for its small size and bright metallic coloration. Adults measure 5–7 mm in length and are diurnal, often found on flowers and vegetation. The species occurs across North America, extending south through Mexico and Guatemala, with populations also recorded on Cuba. It is sometimes attracted to lights at night.
Listrus gentry
Listrus gentry is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It is a small beetle, measuring less than 5mm in length. The species has been observed feeding on flowers of Heterotheca stenophylla (stiffleaf false goldenaster) in Oklahoma. Like other members of the genus Listrus, it appears to be associated with asteraceous flowers and is likely a pollen feeder.
Luperosoma parallelum
Luperosoma parallelum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 4.3–5.2 mm as an adult. The species is characterized by a reddish brown head and dark elytra with pale margins. It is known from a limited distribution in the south-central United States.
Metachroma ustum
Burnt Metachroma
Metachroma ustum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It ranges from 4.8 to 7.0 mm in body length. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with limited observational records available.
Metaparia clytroides
Metaparia clytroides is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Metaparia was established to accommodate species previously placed in Spintherophyta and related genera, with taxonomic revisions moving several Central American species. This species is documented from the south-central United States.
Novius virginalis
Native Anovia
Novius virginalis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring 2.43–3.05 mm in length. The species was formerly classified under the genus Anovia, and is distinguished by its red body with dark markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. It occurs in the southwestern United States.
Orphinus fulvipes
carpet beetle
Orphinus fulvipes is a small carpet beetle species in the family Dermestidae. It has a documented body length of 2.5 mm. The species exhibits a broad intercontinental distribution spanning North America, South Asia, Oceania, and Europe. As a member of Dermestidae, it is likely associated with keratinous or dried organic materials, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pentaria fuscula
Pentaria fuscula is a small beetle species in the family Scraptiidae, described by LeConte in 1862. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. It belongs to the genus Pentaria, which comprises small, inconspicuous beetles often associated with decaying plant matter. Very little published information exists on the specific biology of this species.
Phyllotreta liebecki
Phyllotreta liebecki is a small flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1919. It is found in North America, with records from Manitoba and Ontario in Canada. The species measures 1.75–2.5 mm in length. As a member of the Alticini tribe, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping locomotion.
Prostomis americanus
Prostomis americanus is a small beetle in the family Prostomidae, first described by Crotch in 1874. The family Prostomidae is a small group of beetles with limited taxonomic representation in North America. This species is known from British Columbia, Canada, based on occurrence records. Members of this family are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Scymnus apicanus
apicanus lady beetle
Scymnus apicanus is a small lady beetle species described by Chapin in 1973. It belongs to the genus Scymnus, commonly known as dusky lady beetles due to their generally dark coloration. The species is known from North America and has two recognized subspecies: S. a. apicanus and S. a. pseudapicanus. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a predator of small soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Scymnus falli
Fall's lady beetle, Fall's dusky lady beetle
Scymnus falli is a small lady beetle species described by Gordon in 1976. It belongs to the subfamily Scymninae, commonly known as dusky lady beetles, which are generally smaller and more slender than the familiar brightly colored ladybugs. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
Serica parallela
Serica parallela is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Adults measure 7.5–8.5 mm in length. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, from the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec south to Texas and east to the Atlantic coast.
Serica sponsa
Serica sponsa is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Adults measure 8–9 mm in length. The species exhibits variable coloration ranging from chestnut-brown to nearly black, with a highly polished, shining surface. It is known from several northeastern and midwestern U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
Spintherophyta arizonensis
Spintherophyta arizonensis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae, described by Schultz in 1976. The genus Spintherophyta is most diverse in the Neotropics, with only four species occurring in North America north of Mexico. This species is one of the North American representatives of a predominantly Neotropical genus of globular, pollen-feeding leaf beetles.
Sumitrosis pallescens
Sumitrosis pallescens is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 3.1-3.5 mm as adults. The species is characterized by pale yellow coloration on the pronotum and elytra, with dark spots near the wing tips. It is known to feed on Chamaecrista species and has a broad distribution across the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Tachys austinicus
Tachys austinicus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1918. It belongs to the large genus Tachys, which comprises numerous diminutive carabid beetles often associated with moist habitats. The species was originally described under the genus Paratachys, which is now treated as a subgenus of Tachys. Like other members of this genus, it is likely to be found in leaf litter, soil, and other ground-level microhabitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.