Platydracus praelongus
This record describes Platydracus praelongus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum with an uneven punctation and wide (at least as wide as five punctures) impunctate line; head & pronotum are dull metallic ; head small (Black individuals do occur, but mostly in se. US)
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
Habitat
A beach specialist
Geographic Range
e. coast, ME to Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydracus praelongus (Mannerheim 1830)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydracus praelongus. 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 Platydracus praelongus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydracus praelongus
What is Platydracus praelongus?
Platydracus praelongus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Platydracus praelongus?
pronotum with an uneven punctation and wide (at least as wide as five punctures) impunctate line; head & pronotum are dull metallic ; head small (Black individuals do occur, but mostly in se. US)
Where is Platydracus praelongus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A beach specialist |
| Range | e. coast, ME to Mexico |