Anotylus insecatus
This record describes Anotylus insecatus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
primarily subterranean, in dung and other decaying organic matter, incl. plant bulbs/roots infested with dipteran larvae; also at sap flows introduced ca. 1950s
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oxytelinae
- Tribe
- Oxytelini
- Genus
- Anotylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
bulbs of onions, tulips, and radishes
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive in NA: so. Canada (NS-AB) + CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: dipteran larvae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anotylus insecatus (Gravenhorst 1806)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anotylus insecatus. 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 Anotylus insecatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Anotylus insecatus
What is Anotylus insecatus?
Anotylus insecatus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Anotylus insecatus?
primarily subterranean, in dung and other decaying organic matter, incl. plant bulbs/roots infested with dipteran larvae; also at sap flows
Where is Anotylus insecatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | bulbs of onions, tulips, and radishes |
| Range | native to Europe, adventive in NA: so. Canada (NS-AB) + CA |
What does Anotylus insecatus eat?
The diet of the Anotylus insecatus includes dipteran larvae.