Histeridae - Feeding Habits

Feeding Habits

The larvae and adult forms of Histeridae have been known to feed on dung, carrion, decomposing vegetation, other insects, larvae, and pupae. The Hister beetles are able to locate both dung and carrion through olfaction. When found on dung, carrion and vegetation, the Hister beetles will feed on the fly larvae found there. The predacious Hister beetle will feed on soft-bodied insect eggs and larvae, Diptera in particular. Some species of Histeridae will even feed on other Histeridae.

The majority of Histeridae species prefer dried, decaying habitats. When found on carrion the adult Histeridae will usually be feeding on Diptera maggots, not the rotting material. The larvae of Hister beetles feed on the blowfly pupae found on the body.

Some Histeridae species live in an integrated nest with ants and termites. Some species have been found to be fed by the ants, while others simply feed on leftover insect larvae that the ants do not want. In contrast, in their adult stage Psiloscelis will actually feed on adult ants.

Because the Histeridae are predacious they can be utilized as control agents, but must be stored in isolation. The Hister beetles have proven useful in both the control of pest flies in poultry houses and pastures, and against pest beetles of stored food products.