Garden Carrion Beetle
Heterosilpha ramosa
This record describes Heterosilpha ramosa (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
- Silphinae
- Tribe
- Silphini
- Genus
- Heterosilpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
often on lawns
Geographic Range
common in w. NA to ON
Diet and Behavior
Diet: primarily decomposing vegetable matter; may attack garden and field crops, grasses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterosilpha ramosa (Say 1823)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterosilpha ramosa. 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 Garden Carrion Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Carrion Beetle
How big is Garden Carrion Beetle?
12–18 mm
Where is Garden Carrion Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | often on lawns |
| Range | common in w. NA to ON |
What does Garden Carrion Beetle eat?
The diet of the Garden Carrion Beetle includes primarily decomposing vegetable matter; may attack garden and field crops, grasses.