Platydracus rutilicauda
This record describes Platydracus rutilicauda (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive: metallic blue, abdomen black with apical ⅓ orange; habitus stout with triangular head (like, e.g., in P. fossator ); the similarly coloured Dinothenarus saphyrinus has orange legs
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
w.NA (BC‒CA, ID) MT WY [ iNaturalist ]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydracus rutilicauda (Horn 1879)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydracus rutilicauda. 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 rutilicauda (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydracus rutilicauda
What is Platydracus rutilicauda?
Platydracus rutilicauda is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platydracus rutilicauda?
13‒15 mm
How do you identify Platydracus rutilicauda?
distinctive: metallic blue, abdomen black with apical ⅓ orange; habitus stout with triangular head (like, e.g., in P. fossator ); the similarly coloured Dinothenarus saphyrinus has orange legs
Where is Platydracus rutilicauda found?
Range: w.NA (BC‒CA, ID) MT WY [ iNaturalist ]