Aleochara littoralis
This record describes Aleochara littoralis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aleocharinae
- Tribe
- Aleocharini
- Genus
- Aleochara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Seashore. Adults have been taken from rotting seaweed and other debris on beaches, as well as collected under a dead Limulus .
Geographic Range
Coastal, on both east and west coasts. (NF-FL and AK-CA) State/Province Records:
Seasonal Activity
February to July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Probably, like other members of the genus, predatory on fly larvae and eggs as adults and ectoparasitic on fly pupae as larvae. Host, however, is unknown.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aleochara littoralis. 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 Aleochara littoralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleochara littoralis
How big is Aleochara littoralis?
3.5 to 7 mm
Where is Aleochara littoralis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Seashore. Adults have been taken from rotting seaweed and other debris on beaches, as well as collected under a dead Limulus . |
| Range | Coastal, on both east and west coasts. (NF-FL and AK-CA) State/Province Records: |
What does Aleochara littoralis eat?
The diet of the Aleochara littoralis includes Probably, like other members of the genus, predatory on fly larvae and eggs as adults and ectoparasitic on fly pupae as larvae. Host, however, is unknown..
When is Aleochara littoralis active?
Aleochara littoralis: seasonal activity - February to July..