ColeopteraElmidae – Riffle Beetles

Stenelmis lignicola

This record describes Stenelmis lignicola (species). Recorded family: Elmidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Stenelmis lignicola - Stenelmis lignicola
Contributed by v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Dryopoidea
Family
Elmidae (Riffle Beetles)
Subfamily
Elminae
Tribe
Elmini
Genus
Stenelmis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Stenelmis+lignicola&guide=Test18&cl=OW

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Stenelmis lignicola Schmude & Brown 1992

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenelmis lignicola. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Stenelmis lignicola (2)

Stenelmis lignicola - photo 1
Contributed by v belov
Stenelmis lignicola - photo 2
Contributed by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.