Bledius tarandus
This record describes Bledius tarandus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum with front angles rounded, constricted basally, with rectangular hind angles. |
| Elytra | Elytra bicolored, with a yellow to reddish spot that can vary in size (absent in some individuals). Labrum deeply emarginate; mandibles bidentate. Member of the annularis group. |
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
On moist sand at the margins of lakes and streams .
Geographic Range
Transcontinental in the north, from AK & YK east to Nfld., south to CA, NV, CO & UT
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bledius tarandus (Herman, 1970)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bledius tarandus. 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 tarandus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Bledius tarandus
What is Bledius tarandus?
Bledius tarandus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bledius tarandus?
2.5-4.0 mm
How do you identify Bledius tarandus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum with front angles rounded, constricted basally, with rectangular hind angles. |
| Elytra | Elytra bicolored, with a yellow to reddish spot that can vary in size (absent in some individuals). Labrum deeply emarginate; mandibles bidentate. |
Where is Bledius tarandus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | On moist sand at the margins of lakes and streams . |
| Range | Transcontinental in the north, from AK & YK east to Nfld., south to CA, NV, CO & UT |