Quedius divergens
This record describes Quedius divergens (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
divergens is the correct name over uteanus because of first revisor action [by Smetana, 1971] (and both names refer to the western population, so the synonymy is correct). 'curtipennis' is the only (but unavailable) name for the eastern subspecies (replaced by caseyi Scheerpeltz). So we should have Q. divergens divergens (west), and Q. divergens caseyi (east).- comments of Adam J. Brunke, 2024 Herman (2001a:29) cited uteanus as valid name for species over caseyi but did not use ssp., and ignored First Revisor action of Smetana (1971:117) who made uteanus a syn. of divergens; divergenis is thus the valid name of the sp. and one ssp. - A. Newton in Catalogue of Life, 2024
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Quedius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Quedius divergens (Casey, 1915) = Quedius uteanus (Casey, 1915)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Quedius divergens. 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 Quedius divergens (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Curt H.; Additional contributions by NickBedard