Eusphalerum californicum
This record describes Eusphalerum californicum (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male penultimate ventrite characteristic; very variable in colouration
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Omaliinae
- Tribe
- Eusphalerini
- Genus
- Eusphalerum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
widespread western (WA - Baja California, ID - CO)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eusphalerum californicum (Fauvel, 1878)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eusphalerum californicum. 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 Eusphalerum californicum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche
Frequently Asked Questions About Eusphalerum californicum
What is Eusphalerum californicum?
Eusphalerum californicum is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Eusphalerum californicum?
Male penultimate ventrite characteristic; very variable in colouration
Where is Eusphalerum californicum found?
Range: widespread western (WA - Baja California, ID - CO)