Philonthus vulgatus
This record describes Philonthus vulgatus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Aedeagus distinctive, pronotum densely but irregularly punctate laterally (punctures usually with space between punctures wider than puncture diameter), head rounded with hind angles lacking, body pubescence black, dorsum not noticeably metallic, relatively long entirely dark antennae with outer segments mostly slightly longer than wide.
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
In various wet habitats, including debris along water margins, beaver lodges, and muskrat nests. Commonly comes to lights.
Geographic Range
Northern transcontinental (NF-AK) State/Province Records: CAN: AB, BC, MB, NB, NF(?), NS, ON, PE, QC, SK USA: AK, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NY, SD, UT, WA, WI
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philonthus vulgatus Casey, 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philonthus vulgatus. 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 vulgatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Philonthus vulgatus
What is Philonthus vulgatus?
Philonthus vulgatus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philonthus vulgatus?
7.5 to 9.3 mm
How do you identify Philonthus vulgatus?
Aedeagus distinctive, pronotum densely but irregularly punctate laterally (punctures usually with space between punctures wider than puncture diameter), head rounded with hind angles lacking, body pubescence black, dorsum not noticeably metallic, relatively long entirely dark antennae with outer segments mostly slightly longer than wide.
Where is Philonthus vulgatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In various wet habitats, including debris along water margins, beaver lodges, and muskrat nests. Commonly comes to lights. |
| Range | Northern transcontinental (NF-AK) State/Province Records: CAN: AB, BC, MB, NB, NF(?), NS, ON, PE, QC, SK USA: AK, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NY, SD, UT, WA, WI |