ColeopteraStaphylinidae – Rove Beetles

Quedius molochinus

This record describes Quedius molochinus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Quedius molochinus - Quedius molochinus
Contributed by Pierrick BLOIN

Pale base of the three antennomeres. Genitalia should be examined for confident discrimination

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

Meadows, heaths and grasslands, as well as in mainly coniferous forests

Geographic Range

Adventive in NA. Three separate areas in Canada: Avalon Peninsula of NL, Maritime Provinces (NS, NB and PE) and around Quebec City.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Quedius molochinus (Gravenhorst, 1806)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Quedius molochinus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Quedius molochinus

What is Quedius molochinus?

Quedius molochinus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Quedius molochinus?

9.0-12 mm

How do you identify Quedius molochinus?

Pale base of the three antennomeres. Genitalia should be examined for confident discrimination

Where is Quedius molochinus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatMeadows, heaths and grasslands, as well as in mainly coniferous forests
RangeAdventive in NA. Three separate areas in Canada: Avalon Peninsula of NL, Maritime Provinces (NS, NB and PE) and around Quebec City.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Pierrick BLOIN. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.