Dacnochilus laetus
This record describes Dacnochilus laetus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
No teeth on labrum. Pronotum not as transverse as in other US species. • syntype Western populations lighter in colour; eastern morph with elytra brown in basal half
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Paederinae
- Tribe
- Lathrobiini
- Genus
- Dacnochilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL‒CA, *OK; Mexico (*BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dacnochilus laetus LeConte 1863
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dacnochilus laetus. 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 Dacnochilus laetus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dacnochilus laetus
What is Dacnochilus laetus?
Dacnochilus laetus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dacnochilus laetus?
No teeth on labrum. Pronotum not as transverse as in other US species. • syntype
Where is Dacnochilus laetus found?
Range: FL‒CA, *OK; Mexico (*BG data)