Rhagonycha testacea
This record describes Rhagonycha testacea (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length around 4-6 mm. Has a light golden elytra and a well-defined darker mark on the yellow-orange pronotum. The legs are entirely yellow. Preferring damper locations including wet woodland and marsh areas, but also found in gardens. Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cantharidae
- Genus
- Rhagonycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Preferring damper locations including wet woodland and marsh areas, but also found in gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Peak from May to July
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagonycha testacea. 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 testacea (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagonycha testacea
What is Rhagonycha testacea?
Rhagonycha testacea is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhagonycha testacea?
around 4-6 mm. Has a light golden elytra and a well-defined darker mark on the yellow-orange pronotum. The legs are entirely yellow.
Where is Rhagonycha testacea found?
Habitat: Preferring damper locations including wet woodland and marsh areas, but also found in gardens.
When is Rhagonycha testacea active?
Rhagonycha testacea: seasonal activity - Peak from May to July.