Scaphidium quadrimaculatum
This record describes Scaphidium quadrimaculatum (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is surprisingly a rove beetle, to which it bears little resemblance. It is mainly black and glossyy but with four red spots or blotches (two on each elytra). Often under fungoid logs, or feeding on fungi such as brackets. It feeds on fungus and is sometimes called a 'Shining Fungus Beetle'. This beetle is fairly widespread in England and Wales, but not further north. It is not particularly common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Scaphidium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often under fungoid logs, or feeding on fungi such as brackets.
Seasonal Activity
April to August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on fungus and is sometimes called a 'Shining Fungus Beetle'.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This beetle is fairly widespread in England and Wales, but not further north. It is not particularly common.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scaphidium quadrimaculatum. 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 Scaphidium quadrimaculatum (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaphidium quadrimaculatum
What is Scaphidium quadrimaculatum?
Scaphidium quadrimaculatum is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Scaphidium quadrimaculatum found?
Habitat: Often under fungoid logs, or feeding on fungi such as brackets.
When is Scaphidium quadrimaculatum active?
Scaphidium quadrimaculatum: seasonal activity - April to August.
What is the life cycle of a Scaphidium quadrimaculatum?
It feeds on fungus and is sometimes called a 'Shining Fungus Beetle'.