Hygronoma dimidiata
This record describes Hygronoma dimidiata (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3mm. Distal half of elytra yellow. Legs yellow. First four antennal segments yellow, the rest darker. Top of head and pronotum flattened. Unless identified by a recognised expert, the specimen should be keyed under a microscope and the distinguishing features noted. Associated with large grasses and bulrushes, they can often be found in the leaf sheaths in winter. Also under decaying vegetable matter in the same localities. Widespread and common in England and Wales. Few records from northern Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Hygronoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with large grasses and bulrushes, they can often be found in the leaf sheaths in winter. Also under decaying vegetable matter in the same localities.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in England and Wales. Few records from northern Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hygronoma dimidiata. 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 Hygronoma dimidiata
What is Hygronoma dimidiata?
Hygronoma dimidiata is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hygronoma dimidiata?
3mm. Distal half of elytra yellow. Legs yellow. First four antennal segments yellow, the rest darker. Top of head and pronotum flattened.
Where is Hygronoma dimidiata found?
Habitat: Associated with large grasses and bulrushes, they can often be found in the leaf sheaths in winter. Also under decaying vegetable matter in the same localities.