Reichenbachia facilis
This record describes Reichenbachia facilis (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Blackish with reddish elytra and pale reddish-yellow legs. |
| Head | Head longer than wide, without punctures between prominent eyes, and with three deep pits of similar size arranged in equilateral triangle, narrower than head. |
| Antennae | Antennae longer than head and prothorax combined. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum slightly wider than long, widest before middle. |
| Elytra | elytra at base slightly wider than pronotum, each with groove along suture and down middle. Abdominal tergites convex, polished, first tergite with small punctures and divergent fine ridges. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pselaphinae
- Tribe
- Brachyglutini
- Genus
- Reichenbachia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults found in leaf litter and mosses.
Geographic Range
Ontario to Georgia, west to Illinois and Mississippi
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Reichenbachia facilis. 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 Reichenbachia facilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich
Frequently Asked Questions About Reichenbachia facilis
What is Reichenbachia facilis?
Reichenbachia facilis is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Reichenbachia facilis?
1.3mm
How do you identify Reichenbachia facilis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Blackish with reddish elytra and pale reddish-yellow legs. |
| Head | Head longer than wide, without punctures between prominent eyes, and with three deep pits of similar size arranged in equilateral triangle, narrower than head. |
| Antennae | Antennae longer than head and prothorax combined. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum slightly wider than long, widest before middle. |
| Elytra | elytra at base slightly wider than pronotum, each with groove along suture and down middle. Abdominal tergites convex, polished, first tergite with small punctures and divergent fine ridges. |
Where is Reichenbachia facilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults found in leaf litter and mosses. |
| Range | Ontario to Georgia, west to Illinois and Mississippi |