Philonthus gentilis
This record describes Philonthus gentilis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive: legs & antennal base orange, elytra blue • Type specimens
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
Geographic Range
AZ to w. & s.TX / Mexico Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philonthus gentilis Horn 1884
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philonthus gentilis. 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 gentilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Philonthus gentilis
What is Philonthus gentilis?
Philonthus gentilis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philonthus gentilis?
~8‒10 mm
How do you identify Philonthus gentilis?
distinctive: legs & antennal base orange, elytra blue • Type specimens
Where is Philonthus gentilis found?
Range: AZ to w. & s.TX / Mexico Map