Ceracis nigropunctatus facts for kids

Ceracis nigropunctatus is a tiny beetle that belongs to a group called minute tree-fungus beetles. These beetles are part of the Ciidae family. You can find Ceracis nigropunctatus living in parts of Central America and North America.

Meet the Minute Tree-Fungus Beetle

Ceracis nigropunctatus is a very small insect. It's often called a "minute" beetle because of its tiny size. These beetles are usually only a few millimeters long. They are often found living on or near fungi that grow on trees.

What Does a Minute Tree-Fungus Beetle Eat?

These tiny beetles get their name because they love to eat fungi. They especially like the soft, bracket-like fungi that grow on dead or decaying trees. This makes them important for breaking down wood in forests. They help recycle nutrients back into the environment.

Where Does Ceracis nigropunctatus Live?

This specific beetle, Ceracis nigropunctatus, lives in two main regions:

• Central America: This area includes countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
• North America: You can find it in parts of the United States and Canada.

They prefer places where there are plenty of trees and fungi to feed on.

Its Family: The Ciidae

Ceracis nigropunctatus is a member of the Ciidae family. This family includes many different types of minute tree-fungus beetles.

• Most beetles in the Ciidae family are small, usually less than 5 millimeters long.
• They often have a round or oval shape.
• Their bodies can be brown, black, or reddish-brown.
• Many of them have tiny hairs or bumps on their bodies.

These beetles are very important in forest ecosystems. By eating fungi, they help to decompose dead wood. This process is like nature's recycling program, making sure that nutrients are returned to the soil for new plants to grow.

Discovery of Ceracis nigropunctatus

This beetle was first officially described by a scientist named Lawrence in 1967. When a scientist "describes" a species, it means they give it a scientific name and write down its unique features. This helps other scientists identify and study the beetle. Giving a species a scientific name, like Ceracis nigropunctatus, helps everyone around the world know exactly which creature is being discussed.