Red-spotted Rove Beetle
Platydracus fossator
This record describes Platydracus fossator (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black overall with red spots on the tips of the elytra
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Platydracus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to AZ - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: July-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydracus fossator (Gravenhorst 1802)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydracus fossator. 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 Red-spotted Rove Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-spotted Rove Beetle
What is Red-spotted Rove Beetle?
Red-spotted Rove Beetle (Platydracus fossator) is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Red-spotted Rove Beetle?
Black overall with red spots on the tips of the elytra
Where is Red-spotted Rove Beetle found?
Range: e. NA to AZ - Map
When is Red-spotted Rove Beetle active?
Red-spotted Rove Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: July-Aug (BG data).