Sepedophilus marshami
This record describes Sepedophilus marshami (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very small (5 mm) Rove Beetle. It is shaped like a tear drop with the head at the wider end. It has a blackish body with a wide red central band. A ground dwelling species, often found in ants nests in damp rotting stumps and fallen branches, also found in leaf litter, grass roots moss etc. Under recorded but believed to be common throughout lowland Britain No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tachyporinae
- Tribe
- Tachyporini
- Genus
- Sepedophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A ground dwelling species, often found in ants nests in damp rotting stumps and fallen branches, also found in leaf litter, grass roots moss etc.
Seasonal Activity
Peak activity is in summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with ants nests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Under recorded but believed to be common throughout lowland Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sepedophilus marshami. 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 Sepedophilus marshami (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sepedophilus marshami
What is Sepedophilus marshami?
Sepedophilus marshami is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Sepedophilus marshami found?
Habitat: A ground dwelling species, often found in ants nests in damp rotting stumps and fallen branches, also found in leaf litter, grass roots moss etc.
When is Sepedophilus marshami active?
Sepedophilus marshami: seasonal activity - Peak activity is in summer.
What is the life cycle of a Sepedophilus marshami?
Associated with ants nests.