Sphaeriusidae

Common name:

Minute bog beetles

Number of species:

1

Size Range:

1-1mm

Tarsi:

3-3-3.

Images:

  • Sphaerius acaroides

Description: 

A single species in Britain, Sphaerius acaroides Waltl.  Approximately 0.6mm long, hemispherical and black, it looks very similar to a mite but walks like a beetle.  Found mainly in moss adjoining small bodies of water, mainly in Dorset but records are relatively widespread.  Historically regarded as scarce, but its small size and cryptic habits mean it is likely to be overlooked.