Stenus cicindeloides
This record describes Stenus cicindeloides (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A grey rove beetle. Its mainly orange legs have some black above the knee. Usually, but not exclusively associated with damper areas and water margins. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, less common in Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Stenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually, but not exclusively associated with damper areas and water margins.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, less common in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenus cicindeloides. 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 Stenus cicindeloides (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenus cicindeloides
What is Stenus cicindeloides?
Stenus cicindeloides is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Stenus cicindeloides found?
Habitat: Usually, but not exclusively associated with damper areas and water margins.
When is Stenus cicindeloides active?
Stenus cicindeloides: seasonal activity - Peak time is summer..