The family Corylophidae comprises some of the smallest wild insects on Earth. It is a cosmopolitan family, comprising approximately 28 genera and around 300 described species with a global distribution. Individuals usually measure only a fraction of a millimetre to a few millimetres (typically around 0.5–2 mm) and have a characteristic ‘hooded’ appearance – the front part of the body (pronotum) often extends beyond the head so that it is almost hidden from above. They are mycophagous in both the larval and adult stages – feeding on moulds and yeasts growing on decaying organic matter. They inhabit damp habitats with an abundance of decaying wood, leaves or hay, and can be found under tree bark, in leaf litter, in hay or in herbivore droppings. They are ecologically important as decomposers of microbial biomass, yet are often poorly recorded due to their size and hidden lifestyle.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Corylophus cassidoides

 

Orthoperus atomus

 

Orthoperus corticalis

 

Orthoperus nigrescens

 

Orthoperus punctatus

 

Arthrolips picea

 

Clypastraea pusilla

 

Clypastraea reitteri

 

Sericoderus lateralis