Quedius pellax
This record describes Quedius pellax (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Extremely similar in external characters to Q. limbifer and distinguishable only by the shape of the male genitalia. Apical margin of 6th sternite with small shallow triangular emargination (as in limbifer ). Median lobe narrower and not diliated at apex ( against limbifer ), apex gradually narrowed into sharp apex with a minute apical hook (inconspicuous unless paramere removed). Four short bristles on paramere apex with two bristles on each lateral side. Only two sensory tubercles on the underside of paramere, located in the middle (not at the apex of paramere). Punctate scutellum, pronotum not explanate laterally, posterior frontal puncture of head very close to posterior margin of eye.
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
Little known of habitat; assumed similar to limbifer (e.g., leaf litter, debris)
Geographic Range
Western: southern California to southern British Columbia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Quedius pellax , Smetana 1971
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Quedius pellax. 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 pellax (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charlene Wood
Frequently Asked Questions About Quedius pellax
What is Quedius pellax?
Quedius pellax is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Quedius pellax?
5.8 - 8.5 mm
How do you identify Quedius pellax?
Extremely similar in external characters to Q. limbifer and distinguishable only by the shape of the male genitalia. Apical margin of 6th sternite with small shallow triangular emargination (as in limbifer ). Median lobe narrower and not diliated at apex ( against limbifer ), apex gradually narrowed into sharp apex with a minute apical hook (inconspicuous unless paramere removed). Four short bristles on paramere apex with two bristles on each lateral side. Only two sensory tubercles on the underside of paramere, located in the middle (not at the apex of paramere). Punctate scutellum, pronotum not explanate laterally, posterior frontal puncture of head very close to posterior margin of eye.
Where is Quedius pellax found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Little known of habitat; assumed similar to limbifer (e.g., leaf litter, debris) |
| Range | Western: southern California to southern British Columbia |