Margarinotus purpurascens
This record describes Margarinotus purpurascens (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with ill-defined red blotches ( photo )
Wikipedia reference for Margarinotus purpurascens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margarinotus_purpurascens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Histerinae
- Tribe
- Histerini
- Genus
- Margarinotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under rotting plant matter, incl. dung/scat ( 4 )
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic , adventive in NA (Pacific Northwest: sw. BC) , probably also in adjacent nw. US
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Margarinotus purpurascens (Herbst 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Margarinotus purpurascens. 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 Margarinotus purpurascens (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Margarinotus purpurascens
What is Margarinotus purpurascens?
Margarinotus purpurascens is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Margarinotus purpurascens?
3.5-4.1 mm
How do you identify Margarinotus purpurascens?
Elytra with ill-defined red blotches ( photo )
Where is Margarinotus purpurascens found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under rotting plant matter, incl. dung/scat ( 4 ) |
| Range | native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic , adventive in NA (Pacific Northwest: sw. BC) , probably also in adjacent nw. US |