Ridged Carrion Beetle
Oiceoptoma inaequale
This record describes Oiceoptoma inaequale (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
All black, with strong ridges on elytra. Ventral side of elytra is bright metallic blue, shining in flight. Elytra are held up in the manner of a butterfly's wings while in flight. This gives a protean, disappearing effect as the beetle lands.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silphinae
- Tribe
- Silphini
- Genus
- Oiceoptoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous forests, often near water. Less common where O. noveboracensis is found
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-FL to ON-ND-TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
i-x
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults consume fly larvae at carrion
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oiceoptoma inaequale (Fabricius 1781)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oiceoptoma inaequale. 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 Ridged Carrion Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridged Carrion Beetle
What is Ridged Carrion Beetle?
Ridged Carrion Beetle (Oiceoptoma inaequale) is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ridged Carrion Beetle?
8.6-14.4 mm
How do you identify Ridged Carrion Beetle?
All black, with strong ridges on elytra. Ventral side of elytra is bright metallic blue, shining in flight. Elytra are held up in the manner of a butterfly's wings while in flight. This gives a protean, disappearing effect as the beetle lands.
Where is Ridged Carrion Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous forests, often near water. Less common where O. noveboracensis is found |
| Range | e NA (QC-FL to ON-ND-TX) - Map |
What does Ridged Carrion Beetle eat?
The diet of the Ridged Carrion Beetle includes Adults consume fly larvae at carrion.
When is Ridged Carrion Beetle active?
Ridged Carrion Beetle: seasonal activity - i-x.