Aleochara valida
This record describes Aleochara valida (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the largest of nearctic species, pronotum opaque; tip of abdomen always, elytra usually reddish. Head not wider than long, antennae with segments 6‒10 slightly transverse. A. opacella Sharp [s.AZ‒CA] is similar, but head transverse, and colour generally darker (pitch-brown instead of rusty). Type Locality: San Diego, California
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
cactus rot
Geographic Range
s.CA-AZ / Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aleochara valida LeConte 1858
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aleochara valida. 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 valida (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleochara valida
What is Aleochara valida?
Aleochara valida is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aleochara valida?
7‒13 mm
How do you identify Aleochara valida?
the largest of nearctic species, pronotum opaque; tip of abdomen always, elytra usually reddish. Head not wider than long, antennae with segments 6‒10 slightly transverse. A. opacella Sharp [s.AZ‒CA] is similar, but head transverse, and colour generally darker (pitch-brown instead of rusty).
Where is Aleochara valida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | cactus rot |
| Range | s.CA-AZ / Mex. - Map |