Colon dentatum
This record describes Colon dentatum (species). Recorded family: Colonidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Colonidae
- Genus
- Colon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occasionally collected by forest litter sifting ( 3 )
Geographic Range
TX-MS-NH-MI (Peck & Stephan 1996)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Known to perform dispersal flights two to three hours before sunset during favorable weather conditions and may be found on low vegetation or on the wing during such flight periods. ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Colon dentatum. 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 Colon dentatum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon dentatum
How big is Colon dentatum?
1.5-2 mm
Where is Colon dentatum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Occasionally collected by forest litter sifting ( 3 ) |
| Range | TX-MS-NH-MI (Peck & Stephan 1996) |
What is the life cycle of a Colon dentatum?
Known to perform dispersal flights two to three hours before sunset during favorable weather conditions and may be found on low vegetation or on the wing during such flight periods. ( 3 )