Colenis impunctata
This record describes Colenis impunctata (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Clypeus non-emarginate; outer edge of protibia near apex with one long spine, followed by very short ones; male genitalia distinctive. Body light yellow to dark reddish. Most often taken in malaise and flight intercept traps, car nets, and Berlese extractions of leaf/log litter, especially with rotting soft fungi. Sometimes in molasses/malt traps, pitfall traps baited with mushrooms or carrion, and in dung. Rarely taken by sweeping or at lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Leiodidae (Round Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Leiodinae
- Tribe
- Pseudoliodini
- Genus
- Colenis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (BC‒NS to KS‒TX‒FL)
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Oct, usually midsummer
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Colenis impunctata LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Colenis impunctata. 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 Colenis impunctata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Colenis impunctata
What is Colenis impunctata?
Colenis impunctata is a species in the family Leiodidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Colenis impunctata?
1.3‒1.6 mm
How do you identify Colenis impunctata?
Clypeus non-emarginate; outer edge of protibia near apex with one long spine, followed by very short ones; male genitalia distinctive. Body light yellow to dark reddish.
Where is Colenis impunctata found?
Range: transcontinental (BC‒NS to KS‒TX‒FL)
When is Colenis impunctata active?
Colenis impunctata: seasonal activity - Mar‒Oct, usually midsummer.