Phalacridae

A family with 15 species on the 2012 British list although Mark Telfer has added a 16^th, Olibrus norvegicus Münster, more recently.  A family of small (1.5-3mm) oval beetles, almost hemispherical in shape with a smooth, shining, domed upper surface and a flat underside, reminiscent of a ladybird but smaller and duller in colouration, mostly black or brown.  Many of the species are widespread across southern England, and can often be seen on flowers during the summer, particularly yellow flowers where they are usually found alongside Meligethes spp. (Nitulidae).