Corticeus unicolor
This record describes Corticeus unicolor (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 5 to 7 mm. A deep red darkling beetle with finely punctate elytra and a blackish head. The pronotum is longer than it is broad. Underneath young bracket fungus and behind bark. Rare in Britain and with an RDB3 status (Species with small populations which are localised or thinly scattered.) No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Diaperinae
- Tribe
- Hypophlaeini
- Genus
- Corticeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Underneath young bracket fungus and behind bark.
Seasonal Activity
Often found at night by torchlight.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Rare in Britain and with an RDB3 status (Species with small populations which are localised or thinly scattered.)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Corticeus unicolor. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corticeus unicolor
What is Corticeus unicolor?
Corticeus unicolor is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Corticeus unicolor?
5 to 7 mm. A deep red darkling beetle with finely punctate elytra and a blackish head. The pronotum is longer than it is broad.
Where is Corticeus unicolor found?
Habitat: Underneath young bracket fungus and behind bark.
When is Corticeus unicolor active?
Corticeus unicolor: seasonal activity - Often found at night by torchlight..