Phosphuga atrata
This record describes Phosphuga atrata (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
first detected in NA in 2021, in an urban park in Vancouver, BC by Cole Grueber, and in a forested area in Lévis, QC by Ludovic Leclerc; fairly abundant at both locations, but not yet found elsewhere in NA. All Quebec specimens are of the black morphs , whereas the BC specimens are mostly reddish.
Wikipedia reference for Phosphuga atrata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphuga_atrata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silphinae
- Tribe
- Silphini
- Genus
- Phosphuga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In Quebec, found under bark of logs of Picea spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp., Salix spp. and Populus spp. (Ludovic Leclerc's observations)
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic , adventive in NA (BC and QC)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: snails
Life History
Flightless, overwinters in lodges in dead woods.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phosphuga atrata (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phosphuga atrata. 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 Phosphuga atrata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nicolas Bédard; Additional contributions by v belov , LudoL
Frequently Asked Questions About Phosphuga atrata
What is Phosphuga atrata?
Phosphuga atrata is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phosphuga atrata?
10-15 mm
Where is Phosphuga atrata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In Quebec, found under bark of logs of Picea spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp., Salix spp. and Populus spp. (Ludovic Leclerc's observations) |
| Range | native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic , adventive in NA (BC and QC) |
What does Phosphuga atrata eat?
The diet of the Phosphuga atrata includes snails.
What is the life cycle of a Phosphuga atrata?
Flightless, overwinters in lodges in dead woods.