ColeopteraNitidulidae – Sap-feeding Beetles

Phenolia grossa

This record describes Phenolia grossa (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phenolia grossa - Phenolia grossa
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Phenolia grossa (Phenolia grossa) 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 Phenolia. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 6.0-8.5 mm. It is found in under bark and on fungi. Active during year round.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Cucujoidea
Family
Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
Subfamily
Nitidulinae
Tribe
Nitidulini
Genus
Phenolia

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

under bark and on fungi ( 6 )

Geographic Range

e. NA (NS-NC-AL to ON-MN-NM) - Map , uncommon across the se US

Seasonal Activity

year round ( 6 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Phenolia grossa (Fabricius 1801)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phenolia grossa. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Phenolia grossa (5)

Phenolia grossa - photo 1
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Phenolia grossa - photo 2
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Phenolia grossa - photo 3
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Phenolia grossa - photo 4
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Phenolia grossa - photo 5
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Phenolia grossa

What is Phenolia grossa?

Phenolia grossa is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Phenolia grossa?

6.0-8.5 mm

Where is Phenolia grossa found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatunder bark and on fungi ( 6 )
Rangee. NA (NS-NC-AL to ON-MN-NM) - Map , uncommon across the se US
When is Phenolia grossa active?

Phenolia grossa: seasonal activity - year round ( 6 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.