Gyrophaena vitrina
This record describes Gyrophaena vitrina (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aleocharinae
- Tribe
- Homalotini
- Genus
- Gyrophaena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern North America from AL to IL and extends northward to PE in Canada.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Gilled mushrooms and bracket fungi.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gyrophaena vitrina Casey, 1906
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gyrophaena vitrina. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gyrophaena vitrina
How big is Gyrophaena vitrina?
2.4–3.5 mm
Where is Gyrophaena vitrina found?
Range: Eastern North America from AL to IL and extends northward to PE in Canada.
What does Gyrophaena vitrina eat?
The diet of the Gyrophaena vitrina includes Gilled mushrooms and bracket fungi..
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