Philonthus couleensis
This record describes Philonthus couleensis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Often found by sifting litter, moss, dead vegetation or other debris. Also taken by treading and in clumps of grasses and Carex .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Philonthus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with wet habitats, such as edges of ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes. Also Sphagnum bogs, wet meadows, seepage areas, and coastal marshlands.
Geographic Range
Northern Transcontinental (NF-NB-NS to BC-WA)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philonthus couleensis. 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 Philonthus couleensis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Philonthus couleensis
What is Philonthus couleensis?
Philonthus couleensis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philonthus couleensis?
5.7 to 7.0 mm
Where is Philonthus couleensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Associated with wet habitats, such as edges of ponds, lakes, swamps, and marshes. Also Sphagnum bogs, wet meadows, seepage areas, and coastal marshlands. |
| Range | Northern Transcontinental (NF-NB-NS to BC-WA) |