ColeopteraStaphylinidae – Rove Beetles

Bledius pallipennis

This record describes Bledius pallipennis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Bledius pallipennis - Bledius pallipennis
Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

DIAGNOSIS: easily separated from nearly all individuals of all species of the mandibularis group by the color pattern of the elytra (fig. 234); the apex and suture are black to reddish black, the remainder yellowish brown to pale reddish brown. - FIG. 234. left elytron; color pattern. Det. Brad Barnd, 2024 Additional characters useful for recognition of the species are the tubercles on the anterior margin of the clypeus (figs. 192, 193), the deeply angulate gular sutures (figs. 221, 224), and the long dorsal denticle of the mandibles (figs. 281, 290-292).

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Staphylinoidea
Family
Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
Subfamily
Oxytelinae
Tribe
Blediini
Genus
Bledius

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Plains states s. to Red River (347 spmns)

Seasonal Activity

May-Oct

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Bledius pallipennis (Say)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bledius pallipennis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Bledius pallipennis (5)

Bledius pallipennis - photo 1
Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Bledius pallipennis - photo 2
Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Bledius pallipennis - photo 3
Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Bledius pallipennis - photo 4
Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Bledius pallipennis - photo 5
Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Bledius pallipennis

What is Bledius pallipennis?

Bledius pallipennis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How do you identify Bledius pallipennis?

DIAGNOSIS: easily separated from nearly all individuals of all species of the mandibularis group by the color pattern of the elytra (fig. 234); the apex and suture are black to reddish black, the remainder yellowish brown to pale reddish brown. - FIG. 234. left elytron; color pattern. Det. Brad Barnd, 2024 Additional characters useful for recognition of the species are the tubercles on the anterior margin of the clypeus (figs. 192, 193), the deeply angulate gular sutures (figs. 221, 224), and the long dorsal denticle of the mandibles (figs. 281, 290-292).

Where is Bledius pallipennis found?

Range: Plains states s. to Red River (347 spmns)

When is Bledius pallipennis active?

Bledius pallipennis: seasonal activity - May-Oct.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.