Hapalaraea pygmaea
This record describes Hapalaraea pygmaea (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (2.2 to 3.0 mm) rove beetle which is orange-brown or red in colour. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. May be beaten from Hawthorn or other bushes, also from fungus, tree cavities and birds’ nests. May be beaten from Hawthorn or other bushes, also from fungus, tree cavities and birds’ nests. Peak seems to be May and June but has been recorded as late as September. Widespread in the southern half of Britain but occasional and rather local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Hapalaraea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be beaten from Hawthorn or other bushes, also from fungus, tree cavities and birds’ nests.
Seasonal Activity
May be beaten from Hawthorn or other bushes, also from fungus, tree cavities and birds’ nests.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Peak seems to be May and June but has been recorded as late as September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain but occasional and rather local.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hapalaraea pygmaea. 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 Hapalaraea pygmaea (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hapalaraea pygmaea
What is Hapalaraea pygmaea?
Hapalaraea pygmaea is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Hapalaraea pygmaea found?
Habitat: May be beaten from Hawthorn or other bushes, also from fungus, tree cavities and birds’ nests.
When is Hapalaraea pygmaea active?
Hapalaraea pygmaea: seasonal activity - May be beaten from Hawthorn or other bushes, also from fungus, tree cavities and birds’ nests..
What is the life cycle of a Hapalaraea pygmaea?
Peak seems to be May and June but has been recorded as late as September.