Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Atomaria mesomela - a silken fungus beetle - Family: Cryptophagidae

Atomaria mesomela - a silken fungus beetleAtomaria mesomela - a silken fungus beetle
© Roger Key/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, South East, South West

This is a very small black or brown beetle which is commonly found in grass tussocks, leaf litter and compost, where it feeds on decaying material. The most likely place to find this small beetle is a compost heap. It may also be seen in grass litter, or under the grass that overlaps on to the edges of concrete. It may also shelter under rosette-forming plants like plantains.

Food

Detritus-feeder on decaying plant matter and fungi.

Plants

Hoary plantain, Quaking-grass, Ribwort plantain

Predators

Red velvet mite