Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus
Dinothenarus capitatus
This record describes Dinothenarus capitatus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only representative of the nominate subgenus in our fauna
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Dinothenarus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Northern forests, primarily on dung/carrion
Geographic Range
transcontinental in Canada, south to WV in the east
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dinothenarus capitatus (Bland 1864)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dinothenarus capitatus. 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 Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus
What is Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus?
Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus (Dinothenarus capitatus) is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus?
12-15 mm
Where is Dinothenarus (Dinothenarus) capitatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Northern forests, primarily on dung/carrion |
| Range | transcontinental in Canada, south to WV in the east |