Dienerella ruficollis
This record describes Dienerella ruficollis (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dienerella ruficollis (Dienerella ruficollis) is a species in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as minute brown scavenger beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Latridiinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Coccinelloidea. This species belongs to the genus Dienerella. Size: 1.0–1.2 mm. Found in granaries/elevators, flour mills, houses, museums, haystacks, and barns in association with stored grains, dried dung, bird nests, refuse, fungi, and mouldy paper.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Latridiinae
- Genus
- Dienerella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
granaries/elevators, flour mills, houses, museums, haystacks, and barns in association with stored grains, dried dung, bird nests, refuse, fungi, and mouldy paper
Geographic Range
native to w. Palaearctic, adventive in the New World ; in our area, across so. Canada south to VA-IN-OR
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dienerella (Cartoderema) ruficollis (Marsham 1802)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dienerella ruficollis. 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 Dienerella ruficollis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dienerella ruficollis
What is Dienerella ruficollis?
Dienerella ruficollis is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dienerella ruficollis?
1.0–1.2 mm
Where is Dienerella ruficollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | granaries/elevators, flour mills, houses, museums, haystacks, and barns in association with stored grains, dried dung, bird nests, refuse, fungi, and mouldy paper |
| Range | native to w. Palaearctic, adventive in the New World ; in our area, across so. Canada south to VA-IN-OR |