Omalium rivulare
This record describes Omalium rivulare (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small (3.5 to 5 mm), mainly brown rove beetle. Associated with decomposing material of all kinds, fungi, rotting wood, birds nests etc. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Omaliinae
- Tribe
- Omaliini
- Genus
- Omalium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with decomposing material of all kinds, fungi, rotting wood, birds nests etc.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly recorded in summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omalium rivulare. 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 Omalium rivulare (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Omalium rivulare
What is Omalium rivulare?
Omalium rivulare is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Omalium rivulare found?
Habitat: Associated with decomposing material of all kinds, fungi, rotting wood, birds nests etc.
When is Omalium rivulare active?
Omalium rivulare: seasonal activity - Mainly recorded in summer and autumn..