Apocellus sphaericollis
This record describes Apocellus sphaericollis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only described species in eastern North America [except one FL endemic], though others probably remain undescribed. Genus needs revision. Varies greatly in color, and somewhat in the form of the prothorax, which is occasionally nearly as wide as the head, and less oval than usual; sometimes on the other hand, a little longer than wide and regularly oval. The color also varies from blackish piceous, with the base of the antennae and legs testaceous, but the thighs tinged with fuscous; to bright rufo-testaceous, the abdomen dark, and the head and outer joints of the antennae fuscous.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oxytelinae
- Tribe
- Oxytelini
- Genus
- Apocellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
along streams near moss; open grassy areas, e.g. among lawn grasses ( 4 )
Geographic Range
Canada (NB-AB), CA-AZ, TX-FL to Guatemala - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apocellus sphaericollis (Say 1834)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Apocellus sphaericollis. 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 Apocellus sphaericollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Apocellus sphaericollis
What is Apocellus sphaericollis?
Apocellus sphaericollis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Apocellus sphaericollis?
The only described species in eastern North America [except one FL endemic], though others probably remain undescribed. Genus needs revision. Varies greatly in color, and somewhat in the form of the prothorax, which is occasionally nearly as wide as the head, and less oval than usual; sometimes on the other hand, a little longer than wide and regularly oval. The color also varies from blackish piceous, with the base of the antennae and legs testaceous, but the thighs tinged with fuscous; to bright rufo-testaceous, the abdomen dark, and the head and outer joints of the antennae fuscous.
Where is Apocellus sphaericollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | along streams near moss; open grassy areas, e.g. among lawn grasses ( 4 ) |
| Range | Canada (NB-AB), CA-AZ, TX-FL to Guatemala - Map |