Bledius dissimilis
This record describes Bledius dissimilis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (3.5 to 4 mm) rove beetle. The short elytra and legs are orange. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Possibly associated with sand and shingle along river banks, but also attracted to light. Peak season is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but the records we are aware of were from July and August. The lack of records suggests that this is quite an uncommon beetle in Britain, but it may well be under recorded due to its small size and the difficulty of identification. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Bledius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Possibly associated with sand and shingle along river banks, but also attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
Peak season is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but the records we are aware of were from July and August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The lack of records suggests that this is quite an uncommon beetle in Britain, but it may well be under recorded due to its small size and the difficulty of identification.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bledius dissimilis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bledius dissimilis
What is Bledius dissimilis?
Bledius dissimilis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Bledius dissimilis found?
Habitat: Possibly associated with sand and shingle along river banks, but also attracted to light.
When is Bledius dissimilis active?
Bledius dissimilis: seasonal activity - Peak season is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but the records we are aware of were from July and August..