Common Aleocharine vs Powdered Fungus Beetle of Azores
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Aleocharine | Powdered Fungus Beetle of Azores |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atheta coriaria | Tarphius floresensis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Zopheridae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 0.2-0.4 cm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Holarctic, now distributed globally through commercial biocontrol | Portugal |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Common Aleocharine
A tiny, dark brown aleocharine rove beetle now commercially sold as a biological control agent. It is an aggressive predator of fungus gnat larvae, thrips, and shore fly larvae in greenhouses.
Did You Know?
This beetle is sold commercially by biocontrol companies and released by the thousands in greenhouses to control fungus gnats organically.
Powdered Fungus Beetle of Azores
A tiny beetle endemic to Flores Island in the Azores. It inhabits decaying wood in remnant laurel forests.
Did You Know?
The Azores archipelago has lost over 95% of its native forest, pushing many endemic beetles toward extinction.