Sphaeridiinae
Guides
Cercyon unipunctatus
Cercyon unipunctatus is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, widespread across the Holarctic region. It is one of the most broadly distributed species in the genus Cercyon, occurring naturally across Europe, Northern Asia, and introduced to North America. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 and belongs to the C. unipunctatus species group, which contains multiple closely related taxa in Asia. It is primarily associated with moist, decomposing organic matter.
Coelostomatini
Coelostomatini is a tribe of water scavenger beetles within the family Hydrophilidae, containing approximately 7 genera and more than 70 described species. The tribe was established by Heyden in 1891. Members of this tribe are classified in the subfamily Sphaeridiinae and share morphological characteristics typical of this group, including compact body forms. The tribe includes genera such as Coelostoma, Dactylosternum, and Pelosoma, which are distributed across various regions globally.
Cryptopleurum
Cryptopleurum is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1844 and is classified within the subfamily Sphaeridiinae and tribe Megasternini. Species in this genus are found across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Africa.
Dactylosternum
Dactylosternum is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, containing more than 20 described species. Species occupy diverse microhabitats including fungal hyphae on fallen wood, decaying wood associated with termites, and living plant tissues such as banana trees. The genus exhibits morphological variation correlated with lifestyle: species living inside plant tissues possess a compact antennal club and parallel-sided body form, while free-living species have a loose antennal club and rounded body form.
Dactylosternum cacti
Dactylosternum cacti is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is native to North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The immature stages of this species have been described, though detailed biological information remains limited. The species name suggests an association with cacti, but specific ecological relationships require further documentation.
Deltostethus
Deltostethus is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, established by Sharp in 1882. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in the New World. Members belong to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group of small, compact beetles often associated with moist or decaying organic matter. The genus is poorly represented in scientific collections and field observations.
Deltostethus columbiensis
Deltostethus columbiensis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Hatch in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group often associated with moist organic substrates rather than strictly aquatic habitats. The species occurs in southwestern North America and Mexico.
Oosternum pubescens
Oosternum pubescens is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855. It belongs to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group of small to minute beetles often associated with moist or aquatic environments. The species is known from eastern and central North America, with records spanning from the northeastern United States through the Midwest and south to Florida and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to inhabit moist microhabitats, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Tectosternum
Tectosternum is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, established by Balfour-Browne in 1958. The genus is monotypic, containing only the described species T. naviculare. It belongs to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group commonly known as sphearid beetles or lesser water scavenger beetles, many of which inhabit moist organic substrates rather than strictly aquatic environments. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published biological information.