Ontholestes murinus
This record describes Ontholestes murinus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very distinctive rove beetle which is around 14mm in length. The thorax has a few gingery hairs and a general brownish mottled appearance, whilst the abdomen shows some grey. Distinguished from the only other member of the genus, O. tesselatus , by having black legs (the legs are yellowish in O. tesselatus ). Almost anywhere that carrion or dung is to be found, particularly common on the carcasses of dead foxes and badgers. All year round but mainly spring to autumn. Feeds on carrion and on larva in dung. It is a good flyer. Fairly frequent in southern Britain at least, fewer records from the northern regions.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Ontholestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Almost anywhere that carrion or dung is to be found, particularly common on the carcasses of dead foxes and badgers.
Seasonal Activity
All year round but mainly spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on carrion and on larva in dung. It is a good flyer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in southern Britain at least, fewer records from the northern regions.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ontholestes murinus. 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 Ontholestes murinus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontholestes murinus
What is Ontholestes murinus?
Ontholestes murinus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ontholestes murinus found?
Habitat: Almost anywhere that carrion or dung is to be found, particularly common on the carcasses of dead foxes and badgers.
When is Ontholestes murinus active?
Ontholestes murinus: seasonal activity - All year round but mainly spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Ontholestes murinus?
Feeds on carrion and on larva in dung. It is a good flyer.