Choleva oblonga
This record describes Choleva oblonga (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Choleva beetles have long legs and antennae. There are several similar species and precise identification may need detailed examination - if we cannot be certain that an image is Choleva oblonga but it is likely to be this species, it is highlighted in a red box. These beetles live mainly live in the burrows of mammals or in bird nests. Under recorded due to the difficulties of precise identification, it seems to be widespread in southern Britain at least. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Leiodidae
- Genus
- Choleva
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
These beetles live mainly live in the burrows of mammals or in bird nests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Under recorded due to the difficulties of precise identification, it seems to be widespread in southern Britain at least.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Choleva oblonga. 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.