Adrastus pallens
This record describes Adrastus pallens (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4.5 to 5 mm. One of the smallest of the British Elaterids. The elytra, legs and antennae are orange-brown with a darker stripe down the centre of the elytra. The pronotum and head are black. The elytral striae are deep at the base but become shallower towards the tip. The elytra are covered in pale, semi-erect hairs. Primarily wetland habitats including wet meadows, stream edges and fens, but also hedgerows and rough grasslands. It has been found both on trees and on low growing vegetation. Widespread in England but not particularly common with only scattered records from Scotland and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Adrastus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Primarily wetland habitats including wet meadows, stream edges and fens, but also hedgerows and rough grasslands. It has been found both on trees and on low growing vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
May to July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England but not particularly common with only scattered records from Scotland and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Adrastus pallens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Adrastus pallens (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Adrastus pallens
What is Adrastus pallens?
Adrastus pallens is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Adrastus pallens?
4.5 to 5 mm. One of the smallest of the British Elaterids. The elytra, legs and antennae are orange-brown with a darker stripe down the centre of the elytra. The pronotum and head are black. The elytral striae are deep at the base but become shallower towards the tip. The elytra are covered in pale, semi-erect hairs.
Where is Adrastus pallens found?
Habitat: Primarily wetland habitats including wet meadows, stream edges and fens, but also hedgerows and rough grasslands. It has been found both on trees and on low growing vegetation.
When is Adrastus pallens active?
Adrastus pallens: seasonal activity - May to July..