Carcinocephalus flavidus
This record describes Carcinocephalus flavidus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Only males of the long-winged form are known so far - all females and some males are short-winged, with short elytra, antennae, tarsi, and smaller eyes! The species does seem to be a typically cool-active one. (See Thayer, M. K. 1992. Discovery of sexual wing dimorphism in Staphylinidae (Coleoptera): Omalium flavidum , and a discussion of wing dimorphism in insects. Journal of the New York Entomological Society 100: 540-573. I have a pdf of the paper if anyone's interested.) --Margaret Thayer
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Omaliinae
- Tribe
- Omaliini
- Genus
- Carcinocephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Carcinocephalus flavidus. 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 Carcinocephalus flavidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov