Beetles Identification Guide

Atomaria Stephens
Diagnosis: Species of Atomaria occurring in Canada differ from the other
cryptophagids dealt with here in having the antennal insertions close together
and located on the frons. They also differ from members of Cryptophagus in
having the anterior angle of the pronotum unthickened and from those of
Henoticus in having the lateral margins of the pronotum not denticulate.
About 20 species of this genus are currently known in Canada, and most of
them could be encountered on moldy products in dwellings. The North American
species of the genus are in need of a taxonomic revision.
Economic importance: As stated for the family.
Cryptophagus acutangulus Gyllenhal
Diagnosis: The species is distinctive among the species of Cryptophagus dealt
with here in having the pronotum widest at the level of the anterior angles. In
other species of the genus the pronotum is widest at the level of the lateral teeth,
or its width is subequal across the anterior angles and the lateral teeth.
Sexual dimorphism: Males have 4-segmented hind tarsi, females 5-segmented
ones (Fig. 244).
Distribution: Although its distribution may have been influenced by commerce,
Woodroffe and Coombs (1961) believe that this species is truly Holarctic. In
Canada it has been reported from Quebec west to British Columbia.
Economic importance: As mentioned for the family. The species has been recorded
by Aitken (1975) on Canadian cargo ships carrying soybean meal.
Cryptophagus cellaris (Scopoli)
Diagnosis: The species differs from the other Cryptophagus dealt with here in
having the eyes large (but not prominent) and hemispherical, and an unusual type
of elytral pubescence that consists of small, decumbent setae and longer ones,
slightly raised and arranged in vertical rows.
Sexual dimorphism: Males have 4-segmented hind tarsi, females 5-segmented
ones (Fig. 244).
Distribution: Nearly cosmopolitan (Woodroffe and Coombs 1961). The species
has been found in all Canadian provinces from Quebec west to British Columbia.
Economic importance: As discussed for the family. The species has been
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