Philonthus rufulus
This record describes Philonthus rufulus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Like in P. alumnus , in males both 6th and 5th(visible) ventral segments of abdomen with excision (on 6th only is usual condition) Should be the common at lights - Adam Brunke, 2010 comment
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
e NA to s.CA / Mex. / Bahamas, Cuba - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philonthus rufulus Horn, 1884 (as variety of P. alumnus)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philonthus rufulus. 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 rufulus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Philonthus rufulus
What is Philonthus rufulus?
Philonthus rufulus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Philonthus rufulus?
Like in P. alumnus , in males both 6th and 5th(visible) ventral segments of abdomen with excision (on 6th only is usual condition)
Where is Philonthus rufulus found?
Range: e NA to s.CA / Mex. / Bahamas, Cuba - Map