Rhagonycha lineola
This record describes Rhagonycha lineola (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rhagonycha lineola (Rhagonycha lineola) is a species in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as soldier beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cantharinae, tribe Cantharini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Elateroidea. This species belongs to the genus Rhagonycha. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 4-6.5 mm ; 5.5-7.0 mm ; perhaps to 8 mm ( living specimen ). Active during March-June (BG data); May-July in northern part of range.
Identification notes
Det. Georges Pelletier, 2013
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cantharinae
- Tribe
- Cantharini
- Genus
- Rhagonycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US, Ont. (TX-FL-NH-IL) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ; mostly se US
Seasonal Activity
March-June (BG data); May-July in northern part of range ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
82 specimens collected Mar-Apr., mostly on oaks, during two yrs of c. TX arboreal surveys ( 5 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagonycha lineola. 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 Rhagonycha lineola (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagonycha lineola
What is Rhagonycha lineola?
Rhagonycha lineola is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhagonycha lineola?
4-6.5 mm ; 5.5-7.0 mm ; perhaps to 8 mm ( living specimen )
How do you identify Rhagonycha lineola?
Det. Georges Pelletier, 2013
Where is Rhagonycha lineola found?
Range: e US, Ont. (TX-FL-NH-IL) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ; mostly se US
When is Rhagonycha lineola active?
Rhagonycha lineola: seasonal activity - March-June (BG data); May-July in northern part of range ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Rhagonycha lineola?
82 specimens collected Mar-Apr., mostly on oaks, during two yrs of c. TX arboreal surveys ( 5 )