Selatosomus aeneus
This record describes Selatosomus aeneus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 11-17 mm. A large, metallic species with wide pronotum and elytra and no obvious covering of hairs. Colour ranges from green/gold to green/purple. Ridges are obvious down the length of the elytra. The legs are dark brown/black in colour and the antennae are the length of the pronotum. Predominantly upland meadows and conifer plantations, but will also be found in lowland grasslands. Larvae develop underground in soil, in leaf litter, in fungi or in decomposing stumps. They are primarily phytophagous feeding on seeds, seedlings, roots and other underground parts of various plant species, but are also known to be coprophagous feeding on the faeces of ruminants. They are bright yellow and reach 25mm in length and 3.3mm in width. A rather infrequent species, mainly found in Wales and the English Midlands.
Wikipedia reference for Selatosomus aeneus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selatosomus_aeneus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Selatosomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Predominantly upland meadows and conifer plantations, but will also be found in lowland grasslands.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop underground in soil, in leaf litter, in fungi or in decomposing stumps. They are primarily phytophagous feeding on seeds, seedlings, roots and other underground parts of various plant species, but are also known to be coprophagous feeding on the faeces of ruminants. They are bright yellow and reach 25mm in length and 3.3mm in width.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A rather infrequent species, mainly found in Wales and the English Midlands.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Selatosomus aeneus. 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 Selatosomus aeneus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Selatosomus aeneus
What is Selatosomus aeneus?
Selatosomus aeneus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Selatosomus aeneus?
11-17 mm. A large, metallic species with wide pronotum and elytra and no obvious covering of hairs. Colour ranges from green/gold to green/purple. Ridges are obvious down the length of the elytra. The legs are dark brown/black in colour and the antennae are the length of the pronotum.
Where is Selatosomus aeneus found?
Habitat: Predominantly upland meadows and conifer plantations, but will also be found in lowland grasslands.
When is Selatosomus aeneus active?
Selatosomus aeneus: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Selatosomus aeneus?
Larvae develop underground in soil, in leaf litter, in fungi or in decomposing stumps. They are primarily phytophagous feeding on seeds, seedlings, roots and other underground parts of various plant species, but are also known to be coprophagous feeding on the faeces of ruminants. They are bright yellow and reach 25mm in length and 3.3mm in width.