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

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.
Photos of Bledius pallipennis (5)
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.
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