Stenagostus rhombeus
This record describes Stenagostus rhombeus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult beetles are up to 20 mm in length. It is quite an elongated species of click beetle that is predominantly orange/brown in colour over the head, pronotum and elytra. Approximately half way down the elytra there is usually a slightly darker crossline curving towards the pronotum, with another crossline further towards the posterior of the elytra curving down towards the tips. The legs and antennae are uniformly orange/brown. Usually found in areas with bushes or trees, often in woodland. The larvae are associated predominantly with Beech, but are reported from a number of other broadleaved species. They occur under loose bark of dead trees and sometimes in the wood layers just beneath. They are predatory feeding on the larvae of Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycidae). Two, possibly more summers are spent in the larval stage, with pupation occurring in the spring. This species is fairly common in southern England and the Midlands north to west Yorkshire. Scattered records in Wales, absent from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Stenagostus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in areas with bushes or trees, often in woodland.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are associated predominantly with Beech, but are reported from a number of other broadleaved species. They occur under loose bark of dead trees and sometimes in the wood layers just beneath. They are predatory feeding on the larvae of Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycidae). Two, possibly more summers are spent in the larval stage, with pupation occurring in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly common in southern England and the Midlands north to west Yorkshire. Scattered records in Wales, absent from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenagostus rhombeus. 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 Stenagostus rhombeus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenagostus rhombeus
What is Stenagostus rhombeus?
Stenagostus rhombeus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Stenagostus rhombeus found?
Habitat: Usually found in areas with bushes or trees, often in woodland.
What is the life cycle of a Stenagostus rhombeus?
The larvae are associated predominantly with Beech, but are reported from a number of other broadleaved species. They occur under loose bark of dead trees and sometimes in the wood layers just beneath. They are predatory feeding on the larvae of Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycidae). Two, possibly more summers are spent in the larval stage, with pupation occurring in the spring.