ColeopteraEndomychidae – Handsome Fungus Beetles

Rhanidea unicolor

This record describes Rhanidea unicolor (species). Recorded family: Endomychidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Rhanidea unicolor - Rhanidea unicolor
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Coccinelloidea
Family
Endomychidae (Handsome Fungus Beetles)
Subfamily
Leiestinae
Genus
Rhanidea

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

under bark in association with fungus

Geographic Range

e. NA (NB-FL to ON-WI-TX) - Map , uncommon across se US

Seasonal Activity

year round

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Associated with Irpex lacteus (Polyporaceae) and a variety of other soft basidiomycete fruiting bodies and subcortical hyphae ( 4 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Rhanidea unicolor (Ziegler 1845)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhanidea unicolor. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Rhanidea unicolor (5)

Rhanidea unicolor - photo 1
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Rhanidea unicolor - photo 2
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Rhanidea unicolor - photo 3
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Rhanidea unicolor - photo 4
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Rhanidea unicolor - photo 5
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhanidea unicolor

How big is Rhanidea unicolor?

2.0-2.5 mm

Where is Rhanidea unicolor found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatunder bark in association with fungus
Rangee. NA (NB-FL to ON-WI-TX) - Map , uncommon across se US
What does Rhanidea unicolor eat?

The diet of the Rhanidea unicolor includes Associated with Irpex lacteus (Polyporaceae) and a variety of other soft basidiomycete fruiting bodies and subcortical hyphae ( 4 ).

When is Rhanidea unicolor active?

Rhanidea unicolor: seasonal activity - year round.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.