Onthophilus striatus
This record describes Onthophilus striatus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very small greyish beetle being only about 2 mm long, the elytra are deeply ridged. Under rotting plants, in manure, on carrion and fungi. All year but especially in spring and summer. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, less well recorded in Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Histeridae
- Genus
- Onthophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under rotting plants, in manure, on carrion and fungi.
Seasonal Activity
All year but especially in spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, less well recorded in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophilus striatus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Onthophilus striatus
What is Onthophilus striatus?
Onthophilus striatus is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Onthophilus striatus found?
Habitat: Under rotting plants, in manure, on carrion and fungi.
When is Onthophilus striatus active?
Onthophilus striatus: seasonal activity - All year but especially in spring and summer..