Ischnosoma virginicum
This record describes Ischnosoma virginicum (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Close to I. flavicolle but lacking an apical palisade fringe of setae on the margin of the seventh tergite of the abdomen. Males of I. virgnicum may be readily distinguished from those of all other species of the Pictum group by the distinctive shape of the sclerites of the internal sac of the aedeagus and the truncate or slightly emarginate apical margin of the seventh sternite with only a sparse row of apical setae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Mycetoporinae
- Genus
- Ischnosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Soil and leaf litter in forests.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed in eastern NA ranging from ON to NS (CANADA) south to FL, MS, TX (USA)
Seasonal Activity
IV-X
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ischnosoma virginicum (Bernhauer, 1917)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ischnosoma virginicum. 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 Ischnosoma virginicum (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , pierrickb
Frequently Asked Questions About Ischnosoma virginicum
What is Ischnosoma virginicum?
Ischnosoma virginicum is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ischnosoma virginicum?
3.5-4.2 mm
How do you identify Ischnosoma virginicum?
Close to I. flavicolle but lacking an apical palisade fringe of setae on the margin of the seventh tergite of the abdomen. Males of I. virgnicum may be readily distinguished from those of all other species of the Pictum group by the distinctive shape of the sclerites of the internal sac of the aedeagus and the truncate or slightly emarginate apical margin of the seventh sternite with only a sparse row of apical setae.
Where is Ischnosoma virginicum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Soil and leaf litter in forests. |
| Range | Widely distributed in eastern NA ranging from ON to NS (CANADA) south to FL, MS, TX (USA) |
When is Ischnosoma virginicum active?
Ischnosoma virginicum: seasonal activity - IV-X.