This poorly known family of beetles consists of at least 600 species worldwide. Although there are only eight known species in Canada, there are thought to be more. Their shiny, oval shaped bodies make them easily recognizable at the family level. They are common on flowers, especially those in the Aster family. Some species feed on fungi, mold, and spores.

Representative Genera and Species:

Olibrus

Pollinator Life Cycle:

These beetles have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Some species over-winter as adults.

Rarity Status:

The status of Canadian species has not yet been assessed, and none are legally protected.

Physical Appearance:

These are small beetles, 1-3 mm in length. Their oval to round shaped body is very convex with a flattened under surface. Their upper surface is very shiny, often metallic, black, or brown. They have 11-segmented antennae with clubbed ends. Inspection of the genitalia is required for identification to species.

Pollinator Habitat:

Adults are usually found on flowers, often in grasslands or marshes. Larvae feed in flower heads on plants in the Aster family, or on spores and stomata of rusts and smuts.

Canadian Distribution:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland/Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan

Prairie Types:

• Fescue Prairie
• Mixed Grass Prairie
• Tall Grass Prairie