Corticaria varicolor
This record describes Corticaria varicolor (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Color varying from yellowish brown to piceous, often uniform, but more commonly piceous brown, with the elytra (except the suture), antennae and legs paler . Form moderately stout and convex ; pubescence cinereous, rather long and conspicuous , the hairs of the elytral intervals shorter and more inclined. |
| Head | Head about 4/5ths as wide as the prothorax, strongly but sparsely punctate; tempora parallel, their length fully 1/4 that of the eye as seen from above. |
| Antennae | Antennae reaching the hind margin of the prothorax, the joints all longer than wide . Prothorax convex, a little wider than long, widest before the middle; sides rater strongly rounded, narrowed behind, margin finely serrate ; surface moderately strongly punctate, the punctures separated by fully their own diameters; posterior fovea small and not deeply impressed. |
| Elytra | Elytra elongate-oval, convex, striae distinctly impressed; intervals slightly convex, their punctures decidedly finer than those of the striae. Beneath coarsely, rather closely punctate, more finely and sparsely along the median line; the first ventral more finely and sparsely than the metasternum, the following segments finely punctate. Metasternum subequal to the 1st ventral; middle coxae narrowly separated about 1/6 their own diameter, legs short. transcribed by C.Wood from Fall, 1899. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Corticariinae
- Genus
- Corticaria
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 Corticaria varicolor. 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 Corticaria varicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Charlene Wood
Frequently Asked Questions About Corticaria varicolor
What is Corticaria varicolor?
Corticaria varicolor is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Corticaria varicolor?
2.1-2.6mm (Fall, 1899 & Downie and Arnett, 1994)
How do you identify Corticaria varicolor?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Color varying from yellowish brown to piceous, often uniform, but more commonly piceous brown, with the elytra (except the suture), antennae and legs paler . Form moderately stout and convex ; pubescence cinereous, rather long and conspicuous , the hairs of the elytral intervals shorter and more inclined. |
| Head | Head about 4/5ths as wide as the prothorax, strongly but sparsely punctate; tempora parallel, their length fully 1/4 that of the eye as seen from above. |
| Antennae | Antennae reaching the hind margin of the prothorax, the joints all longer than wide . Prothorax convex, a little wider than long, widest before the middle; sides rater strongly rounded, narrowed behind, margin finely serrate ; surface moderately strongly punctate, the punctures separated by fully their own diameters; posterior fovea small and not deeply impressed. |
| Elytra | Elytra elongate-oval, convex, striae distinctly impressed; intervals slightly convex, their punctures decidedly finer than those of the striae. Beneath coarsely, rather closely punctate, more finely and sparsely along the median line; the first ventral more finely and sparsely than the metasternum, the following segments finely punctate. Metasternum subequal to the 1st ventral; middle coxae narrowly separated about 1/6 their own diameter, legs short. transcribed by C.Wood from Fall, 1899. |