Ocypus nitens
This record describes Ocypus nitens (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to Tasgius melanarius . Relevant details separating on the generic level are in the mouthparts, rarely visible on life images. The wings are visibly shorter than the pronotum in O. nitens , and pronotal punctures dense, but not confluent. Anterior tibiae with spines besides hairs in the apical portion. earliest NA record: MA 1944
Wikipedia reference for Ocypus nitens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocypus_nitens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Ocypus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common in forested and open habitat in MA-NH; pronouncedly synanthropic, often wanders into dwellings
Geographic Range
Native to w. Palaearctic; adventive in NA and mostly limited to the coastal ne. US (ME-NY)
Seasonal Activity
year around
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ocypus (Matidus) nitens (Schrank 1781)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ocypus nitens. 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 Ocypus nitens (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocypus nitens
What is Ocypus nitens?
Ocypus nitens is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ocypus nitens?
16-20 mm
How do you identify Ocypus nitens?
Very similar to Tasgius melanarius . Relevant details separating on the generic level are in the mouthparts, rarely visible on life images. The wings are visibly shorter than the pronotum in O. nitens , and pronotal punctures dense, but not confluent. Anterior tibiae with spines besides hairs in the apical portion.
Where is Ocypus nitens found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in forested and open habitat in MA-NH; pronouncedly synanthropic, often wanders into dwellings |
| Range | Native to w. Palaearctic; adventive in NA and mostly limited to the coastal ne. US (ME-NY) |
When is Ocypus nitens active?
Ocypus nitens: seasonal activity - year around.