Philonthus quadricollis
This record describes Philonthus quadricollis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Common species. Philonthus gavius Smetana, 1995 is very similar, but has a more southern distribution.
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
Found in wet to moist habitats, such as banks of rivers/streams and ponds, marshes, and swamps. Often comes to lights and commonly seen in flight-intercept traps. Specimens have been taken by sifting wet moss, Sphagnum mats, leaf litter, and other debris. Some have also been taken from beaver houses and muskrat nests.
Geographic Range
Transcontinental across northern North America, from Nova Scotia south to North Carolina, west to British Columbia and northern California.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philonthus quadricollis. 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 quadricollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Philonthus quadricollis
What is Philonthus quadricollis?
Philonthus quadricollis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philonthus quadricollis?
4.8 to 6.7 mm
Where is Philonthus quadricollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in wet to moist habitats, such as banks of rivers/streams and ponds, marshes, and swamps. Often comes to lights and commonly seen in flight-intercept traps. Specimens have been taken by sifting wet moss, Sphagnum mats, leaf litter, and other debris. Some have also been taken from beaver houses and muskrat nests. |
| Range | Transcontinental across northern North America, from Nova Scotia south to North Carolina, west to British Columbia and northern California. |