Rhagonycha umbrina
This record describes Rhagonycha umbrina (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Quoting the original description: The broad subtruncate ungual tooth, totally black color and alutaceous pronotum with obtuse lateral margin will easily identify this species.
Wikipedia reference for Rhagonycha umbrina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhagonycha umbrina.
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
Eastern North America, noted from: ME, PA, NJ, DC, NC, GA, FL (Green, 1940)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagonycha umbrina. 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 umbrina (2)
Photo credits: (c) Tom Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tom Murray | Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagonycha umbrina
What is Rhagonycha umbrina?
Rhagonycha umbrina is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhagonycha umbrina?
5-6 mm (Green, 1940-- BHL link )
How do you identify Rhagonycha umbrina?
Quoting the original description: The broad subtruncate ungual tooth, totally black color and alutaceous pronotum with obtuse lateral margin will easily identify this species.
Where is Rhagonycha umbrina found?
Range: Eastern North America, noted from: ME, PA, NJ, DC, NC, GA, FL (Green, 1940)