Quedius mesomelinus
This record describes Quedius mesomelinus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is quite a large fairly plain dark brown or almost black rove beetle, sometimes paler when found in caves. Found in a variety of locations including mammal burrows, tree cavities, and caves as well as in various outbuildings and compost heaps. Lives in debris and decaying organic matter, especially compost heaps and fungi. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
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.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of locations including mammal burrows, tree cavities, and caves as well as in various outbuildings and compost heaps.
Seasonal Activity
All year round
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Lives in debris and decaying organic matter, especially compost heaps and fungi.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Quedius mesomelinus. 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 mesomelinus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Quedius mesomelinus
What is Quedius mesomelinus?
Quedius mesomelinus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Quedius mesomelinus found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of locations including mammal burrows, tree cavities, and caves as well as in various outbuildings and compost heaps.
When is Quedius mesomelinus active?
Quedius mesomelinus: seasonal activity - All year round.
What is the life cycle of a Quedius mesomelinus?
Lives in debris and decaying organic matter, especially compost heaps and fungi.