Dalopius marginatus
This record describes Dalopius marginatus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 6 to 8 mm. Elytra predominantly a dark orangey brown colour with a darker chestnut brown coloured stripe running down the centre, wider at the anterior and narrowing towards the posterior. Pits form rows down the length of the elytra. The pronotum and head are dark brown with lighter orange angles and edge. A sparse covering of hairs are visible. The legs are orange. The antennae are dark brown and very long, extending a way beyond the posterior edge of the pronotum. The larva feeds on both plant roots and insect larvae. Common and well distributed throughout England and Wales, scarcer, but widespread in Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Dalopius marginatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalopius_marginatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Dalopius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forests, woodland and woodland edge.
Seasonal Activity
Best from May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on both plant roots and insect larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and well distributed throughout England and Wales, scarcer, but widespread in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dalopius marginatus. 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 Dalopius marginatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dalopius marginatus
What is Dalopius marginatus?
Dalopius marginatus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dalopius marginatus?
6 to 8 mm. Elytra predominantly a dark orangey brown colour with a darker chestnut brown coloured stripe running down the centre, wider at the anterior and narrowing towards the posterior. Pits form rows down the length of the elytra. The pronotum and head are dark brown with lighter orange angles and edge. A sparse covering of hairs are visible. The legs are orange. The antennae are dark brown and very long, extending a way beyond the posterior edge of the pronotum.
Where is Dalopius marginatus found?
Habitat: Forests, woodland and woodland edge.
When is Dalopius marginatus active?
Dalopius marginatus: seasonal activity - Best from May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Dalopius marginatus?
The larva feeds on both plant roots and insect larvae.