Stenocolus scutellaris
This record describes Stenocolus scutellaris (species). Recorded family: Eulichadidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Eulichadidae (Forest Stream Beetles)
- Genus
- Stenocolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae are aquatic; adults are found in riparian vegetation
Geographic Range
central CA (Sacramento and San Joaquin River valleys)
Seasonal Activity
adults Jun-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval food includes fine particulate organic matter, shredded wood, algal filaments, and debris. Adults do not feed
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stenocolus scutellaris LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenocolus scutellaris. 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 Stenocolus scutellaris (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Graham M , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenocolus scutellaris
Where is Stenocolus scutellaris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae are aquatic; adults are found in riparian vegetation |
| Range | central CA (Sacramento and San Joaquin River valleys) |
What does Stenocolus scutellaris eat?
The diet of the Stenocolus scutellaris includes Larval food includes fine particulate organic matter, shredded wood, algal filaments, and debris. Adults do not feed.
When is Stenocolus scutellaris active?
Stenocolus scutellaris: seasonal activity - adults Jun-Aug.
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