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

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.
Photos of Rhanidea unicolor (5)
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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark in association with fungus |
| Range | e. 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.
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