Aleochara puberula
This record describes Aleochara puberula (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Puncturation dense, associated setae depressed, giving the beetle a silky sheen. Elytra usually with a pale band from hind margin to about base, curving to shoulders sometimes; terminal segment of antennae frequently lighter. Basal furrows of tergites 1 - 3 shallow. by pattern, could only be confused with A. taeniata
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
pan(sub)tropical today; only infrequenty found in colder regions, there confined to anthropogenic habitats with constant temperatures above zero (compost heaps!)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aleochara puberula Klug, 1834
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aleochara puberula. 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 puberula (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleochara puberula
What is Aleochara puberula?
Aleochara puberula is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aleochara puberula?
rather small (3 - 5 mm)
How do you identify Aleochara puberula?
Puncturation dense, associated setae depressed, giving the beetle a silky sheen. Elytra usually with a pale band from hind margin to about base, curving to shoulders sometimes; terminal segment of antennae frequently lighter. Basal furrows of tergites 1 - 3 shallow.
Where is Aleochara puberula found?
Range: pan(sub)tropical today; only infrequenty found in colder regions, there confined to anthropogenic habitats with constant temperatures above zero (compost heaps!)