Platydracus viridanus
This record describes Platydracus viridanus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The combination of the small eyes (no longer than the temple), bronze metallic dorsal reflection, evenly punctate pronotum, elytra without spots, an elytral epipleuron with a pale ventral margin, and the distinctive pattern of abdominal setae distinguish this sp. from all congeners
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
mesic forests, on decaying fungi, carrion, dung; typically localized
Geographic Range
across ne. NA (NS-MN south in the Appalachians to n. GA)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydracus viridanus (Horn, 1879)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydracus viridanus. 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 viridanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydracus viridanus
What is Platydracus viridanus?
Platydracus viridanus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Platydracus viridanus?
The combination of the small eyes (no longer than the temple), bronze metallic dorsal reflection, evenly punctate pronotum, elytra without spots, an elytral epipleuron with a pale ventral margin, and the distinctive pattern of abdominal setae distinguish this sp. from all congeners
Where is Platydracus viridanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mesic forests, on decaying fungi, carrion, dung; typically localized |
| Range | across ne. NA (NS-MN south in the Appalachians to n. GA) |