Rhagonycha oriflava
This record describes Rhagonycha oriflava (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum golden yellow with black central stripe; elytra dark brown to black with narrow golden yellow lateral and sutural margins variations: legs sometimes entirely black, elytra sutural margins sometimes dark Type Locality: New Hampshire
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 plus ON, QC, SK
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jun (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: oriflava (L). 'yellow mouth'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagonycha oriflava. 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 oriflava (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagonycha oriflava
What is Rhagonycha oriflava?
Rhagonycha oriflava is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Rhagonycha oriflava?
pronotum golden yellow with black central stripe; elytra dark brown to black with narrow golden yellow lateral and sutural margins variations: legs sometimes entirely black, elytra sutural margins sometimes dark
Where is Rhagonycha oriflava found?
Range: e US plus ON, QC, SK
When is Rhagonycha oriflava active?
Rhagonycha oriflava: seasonal activity - Apr-Jun (BG data).