ColeopteraStaphylinidae – Rove Beetles

Lithocharis nigriceps

This record describes Lithocharis nigriceps (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Lithocharis nigriceps - Lithocharis nigriceps
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro

Identification notes

genitalia ▪ adult habitus

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Staphylinoidea
Family
Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
Subfamily
Paederinae
Tribe
Lathrobiini
Genus
Lithocharis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

of Asian origin , now cosmopolitan

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Lithocharis nigriceps Kraatz 1859

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lithocharis nigriceps. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Lithocharis nigriceps (5)

Lithocharis nigriceps - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro
Lithocharis nigriceps - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro
Lithocharis nigriceps - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro
Lithocharis nigriceps - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro
Lithocharis nigriceps - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro

Frequently Asked Questions About Lithocharis nigriceps

How big is Lithocharis nigriceps?

3.5‒4 mm

How do you identify Lithocharis nigriceps?

genitalia ▪ adult habitus

Where is Lithocharis nigriceps found?

Range: of Asian origin , now cosmopolitan

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.