Bledius suturalis
This record describes Bledius suturalis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are no unique features by which this species may be separated from all other bidentate members of the annularis group so a combination of characters must be used. The species is small, has bicolored elytra (figs. 175-177) with a black to dark reddish brown sutural stripe, and yellowish brown to pale reddish brown lateral spot, a membranous lobe on the posterior margin of the elytra, a pronotum (fig. 174) with gradually convergent to sinuate lateral margins, rectangulate pronotal basal angles and anterior pronotal angles that are rounded and even with the anterior margin. The pale to dark elytral epipleuron is yellowish brown to reddish brown to black. - Figs. 175-177 Lectotype Type Locality: Arizona, banks of Gila River.
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
collected on the shore of many western rivers and streams on open unvegetated sand flats and occasionally in temporarily moist soil.
Geographic Range
most common WA to s.CA, but occurs from the western plains to AK, and Ont.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bledius suturalis LeConte 1863
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bledius suturalis. 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 suturalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bledius suturalis
What is Bledius suturalis?
Bledius suturalis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bledius suturalis?
noticeably variable in size, the length varying from 2.3 to 5.2 mm . More significantly there are three distinguishable forms based on size, small, medium, and large.
How do you identify Bledius suturalis?
There are no unique features by which this species may be separated from all other bidentate members of the annularis group so a combination of characters must be used. The species is small, has bicolored elytra (figs. 175-177) with a black to dark reddish brown sutural stripe, and yellowish brown to pale reddish brown lateral spot, a membranous lobe on the posterior margin of the elytra, a pronotum (fig. 174) with gradually convergent to sinuate lateral margins, rectangulate pronotal basal angles and anterior pronotal angles that are rounded and even with the anterior margin. The pale to dark elytral epipleuron is yellowish brown to reddish brown to black. - Figs. 175-177 Lectotype
Where is Bledius suturalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | collected on the shore of many western rivers and streams on open unvegetated sand flats and occasionally in temporarily moist soil. |
| Range | most common WA to s.CA, but occurs from the western plains to AK, and Ont. |