Keys for the identification of British Ptiliidae

Tiny beetles of variable shape. Length generally between 0.5 and 1.2 mm; this family includes Europe's smallest beetle (recently found in Britain). As far as is known the larvae and adults feed on fungal spores of a wide range of fungi. Some live in rotting vegetation. Many species are very active flyers. Their wings are feathery and probably do not allow flight in the aerodynamic sense. They are dispersed by wind and thermals.

In the latest checklist there are 18 genera and 75 species listed. The document below should allow identification to genus and most species at least in one sex.