About Smooth Hister Beetle
A compact, highly polished black beetle with fine elytral striations. It is one of the most common dung-dwelling hister beetles in Europe.
Did You Know?
Its almost mirror-like surface is so smooth that dung and debris slide off its body, keeping it permanently clean.
How to Identify Smooth Hister Beetle
Smooth Hister Beetle (Margarinotus striola) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Histeridae. Adults typically measure 4-6 mm.
Smooth Hister Beetle Habitat
Smooth Hister Beetle is found in indoors habitats, particularly across Europe, North Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Smooth Hister Beetle Diet and Feeding
Smooth Hister Beetle feeds on animal dung. Dung-feeding insects provide vital ecosystem services by breaking down and burying waste, improving soil fertility and reducing parasite transmission.
Where Is Smooth Hister Beetle Found?
Smooth Hister Beetle can be found in Europe, North Africa, where it inhabits indoors environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Smooth Hister Beetle can be found
Is Smooth Hister Beetle Dangerous?
Smooth Hister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Smooth Hister Beetle Role in Nature
Smooth Hister Beetle plays a vital role in decomposition and nutrient recycling. By breaking down dead organic matter, it helps return nutrients to the soil, supporting plant growth and maintaining ecosystem health.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Smooth Hister Beetle
What does Smooth Hister Beetle look like?
The Smooth Hister Beetle typically measures 4-6 mm.
Where is Smooth Hister Beetle found?
The Smooth Hister Beetle is found in Europe, North Africa and typically inhabits indoors environments.
What does Smooth Hister Beetle eat?
The Smooth Hister Beetle feeds on animal dung.
Is Smooth Hister Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Smooth Hister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Smooth Hister Beetle?
Its almost mirror-like surface is so smooth that dung and debris slide off its body, keeping it permanently clean.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Smooth Hister Beetle (Margarinotus striola). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/smooth-hister-beetle
MLA:
"Smooth Hister Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/smooth-hister-beetle.