Opilo mollis
This record describes Opilo mollis (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Opilo mollis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opilo_mollis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Clerinae
- Genus
- Opilo
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in Europe, mostly on old trunks of various trees under peeling bark and in galleries of wood-boring beetles
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan, spread globally a long time ago
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae & adults prey on immature stages of wood-boring beetles (Ptinidae, Lyctinae, weevils)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Opilo mollis (Linné 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Opilo mollis. 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 Opilo mollis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Opilo mollis
How big is Opilo mollis?
8.5-13 mm
Where is Opilo mollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in Europe, mostly on old trunks of various trees under peeling bark and in galleries of wood-boring beetles |
| Range | cosmopolitan, spread globally a long time ago |
What does Opilo mollis eat?
The diet of the Opilo mollis includes larvae & adults prey on immature stages of wood-boring beetles (Ptinidae, Lyctinae, weevils).