Omosita discoidea
This record describes Omosita discoidea (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Omosita discoidea (Omosita discoidea) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap-feeding beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Nitidulinae, tribe Nitidulini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Omosita. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2-3.6 mm. It is found in on dry carrion, bones, hides, fungi, and decaying vegetation.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nitidulinae
- Tribe
- Nitidulini
- Genus
- Omosita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on dry carrion, bones, hides, fungi, and decaying vegetation ( 4 )
Geographic Range
native to the Palaearctic (across Eurasia) ; adventive in NA, widespread in so. Canada and the US
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Omosita discoidea (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omosita discoidea. 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 Omosita discoidea (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Omosita discoidea
What is Omosita discoidea?
Omosita discoidea is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Omosita discoidea?
2-3.6 mm
Where is Omosita discoidea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on dry carrion, bones, hides, fungi, and decaying vegetation ( 4 ) |
| Range | native to the Palaearctic (across Eurasia) ; adventive in NA, widespread in so. Canada and the US |