Bledius playanus
This record describes Bledius playanus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra with less than basal half brown (fig. 46) Type Locality: Oklahoma, Alfalfa County, 6 miles east, 3 miles south of Cherokee, Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, on the salt flats, collected by Lee H. Herman, Jr. on June 11, 1968 Paratypes: One hundred males and females, unsexed, with same collection data as holotype
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
Habitat
found almost exclusively in saline habitats. In general, extremely abundant on salt flats and uncommon along rivers.
Geographic Range
c.KS-nc.OK, c.NM
Seasonal Activity
probably can be found throughout the year in Oklahoma and Kansas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bledius playanus (Herman)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bledius playanus. 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 playanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Bledius playanus
What is Bledius playanus?
Bledius playanus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bledius playanus?
Length: 2.0 to 3.3 mm
How do you identify Bledius playanus?
elytra with less than basal half brown (fig. 46)
Where is Bledius playanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | found almost exclusively in saline habitats. In general, extremely abundant on salt flats and uncommon along rivers. |
| Range | c.KS-nc.OK, c.NM |
When is Bledius playanus active?
Bledius playanus: seasonal activity - probably can be found throughout the year in Oklahoma and Kansas.