Aleochara lustrica
This record describes Aleochara lustrica (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with orange band from humerus to sutural angle, sutural triangle and region of posteriour angles dark. This colour pattern, within subgenus, shared by A. centralis only [southern AZ], which has male tergum VIII (= visible VI) simple however, while in A. lustrica , its apical margin is serrate.
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
Geographic Range
e. US to AZ (NH-FL to KS-TX-AZ) + so. ON; Mexico, S. America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aleochara lustrica Say 1832
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aleochara lustrica. 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 lustrica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleochara lustrica
What is Aleochara lustrica?
Aleochara lustrica is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aleochara lustrica?
3 - 7 mm
How do you identify Aleochara lustrica?
Elytra with orange band from humerus to sutural angle, sutural triangle and region of posteriour angles dark. This colour pattern, within subgenus, shared by A. centralis only [southern AZ], which has male tergum VIII (= visible VI) simple however, while in A. lustrica , its apical margin is serrate.
Where is Aleochara lustrica found?
Range: e. US to AZ (NH-FL to KS-TX-AZ) + so. ON; Mexico, S. America