Agrypnus murinus
This record describes Agrypnus murinus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 10 to 17 mm. This species is distinctive due to the dense scale-like pubescence which almost covers the dorsal surface. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. The typical habitats in the U.K. are open scrubland, grassland and dune slacks. Adults appear early in the year, from April or May and remain active into June or July. Larval development takes two years and pupation occurs in the soil in late summer, adults eclose in the autumn and overwinter in their pupal cells, emerging in the spring. In the U.K. it is generally distributed although local through England and Wales with most records from western coastal regions, especially around Wales and Cumbria, inland records are scattered with many from the Thames and Severn basins, becoming progressively rarer further north. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Agrypnus murinus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrypnus_murinus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Agrypnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The typical habitats in the U.K. are open scrubland, grassland and dune slacks.
Seasonal Activity
Adults appear early in the year, from April or May and remain active into June or July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larval development takes two years and pupation occurs in the soil in late summer, adults eclose in the autumn and overwinter in their pupal cells, emerging in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In the U.K. it is generally distributed although local through England and Wales with most records from western coastal regions, especially around Wales and Cumbria, inland records are scattered with many from the Thames and Severn basins, becoming progressively rarer further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrypnus murinus. 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 Agrypnus murinus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrypnus murinus
What is Agrypnus murinus?
Agrypnus murinus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrypnus murinus?
10 to 17 mm. This species is distinctive due to the dense scale-like pubescence which almost covers the dorsal surface.
Where is Agrypnus murinus found?
Habitat: The typical habitats in the U.K. are open scrubland, grassland and dune slacks.
When is Agrypnus murinus active?
Agrypnus murinus: seasonal activity - Adults appear early in the year, from April or May and remain active into June or July..
What is the life cycle of a Agrypnus murinus?
Larval development takes two years and pupation occurs in the soil in late summer, adults eclose in the autumn and overwinter in their pupal cells, emerging in the spring.