Cerylon

Cerylon is a genus of beetles belonging to the family Cerylonidae. Cerylonidae is a family of small, flattened, and often reddish-brown beetles found worldwide. Beetles within the genus Cerylon, like other members of their family, are often associated with decaying wood, fungi, and leaf litter. They are generally considered to be mycophagous, meaning they feed on fungi.

Members of the genus Cerylon are relatively small, typically ranging in size from a few millimeters in length. They are characterized by their flattened bodies and smooth, often shiny, elytra (wing covers). Specific identification to species level often requires careful examination of minute morphological features. The antennae are clubbed, and the tarsi are typically 4-4-4 (referring to the number of tarsomeres on the front, middle, and hind legs, respectively).

The exact role Cerylon beetles play in their ecosystem is still being studied, but their association with decaying organic matter suggests they are involved in decomposition processes and nutrient cycling. Their food source, being primarily fungi, also places them within the fungal food web. Further research is needed to fully understand the diversity, distribution, and ecological significance of Cerylon beetles worldwide.