Belonuchus rufipennis
This record describes Belonuchus rufipennis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, with elytra and first four abdominal tergites reddish-yellow or reddish-brown. Labial and maxillary palpomeres long and narrow. Pronotum longer than wide, with rows of 4–5 punctures on top, 5-6 on sides. Largest lateral pronotal seta distant from pronotal margin. Front tarsi not dilated or with modified setae in either sex. Front and hind femora more spinose in male than female.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Belonuchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
found in various decaying plant materials found at fermenting sap exuding from damaged trees, in Indiana. found at rotting mushrooms, watermelon, compost, and grass clippings (BG data)
Geographic Range
e. NA to CO-NM / Mex. to S. Amer. - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Oct (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Belonuchus rufipennis (Fabricius, 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Belonuchus rufipennis. 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 Belonuchus rufipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Robert Lord Zimlich
Frequently Asked Questions About Belonuchus rufipennis
What is Belonuchus rufipennis?
Belonuchus rufipennis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Belonuchus rufipennis?
6.5 to 9 mm 4.6 to 8.5 mm
How do you identify Belonuchus rufipennis?
Black, with elytra and first four abdominal tergites reddish-yellow or reddish-brown. Labial and maxillary palpomeres long and narrow. Pronotum longer than wide, with rows of 4–5 punctures on top, 5-6 on sides. Largest lateral pronotal seta distant from pronotal margin. Front tarsi not dilated or with modified setae in either sex. Front and hind femora more spinose in male than female.
Where is Belonuchus rufipennis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | found in various decaying plant materials found at fermenting sap exuding from damaged trees, in Indiana. found at rotting mushrooms, watermelon, compost, and grass clippings (BG data) |
| Range | e. NA to CO-NM / Mex. to S. Amer. - Map |
When is Belonuchus rufipennis active?
Belonuchus rufipennis: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Oct (BG data).