Rhagonycha scitula
This record describes Rhagonycha scitula (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rhagonycha scitula is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America.
Identification notes
Cantharidae of e. Canada and ne. US
Wikipedia reference for Rhagonycha scitula: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhagonycha_scitula.
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 NA (TX-FL-NS-IL) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (L). from scītus (“beautiful, elegant”) + -ulus (diminutive suffix)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagonycha scitula. 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 scitula (8)
Photo credits: (c) Buddy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Buddy | (c) James Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by James Bailey | (c) Mark Richman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Richman | (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Robert Webster | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagonycha scitula
What is Rhagonycha scitula?
Rhagonycha scitula is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Rhagonycha scitula?
Cantharidae of e. Canada and ne. US
Where is Rhagonycha scitula found?
Range: e NA (TX-FL-NS-IL) - Map
When is Rhagonycha scitula active?
Rhagonycha scitula: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug (BG data).