Stenus impressus
This record describes Stenus impressus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.7 to 4.5 mm. A slim black rove beetle with yellowy orange legs. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Often associated with woodland, but not with water. It is often found in moss and leaf litter. Can be encountered in most months of the year but with a peak from March to May. Widespread and fairly frequent in 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
- Steninae
- Genus
- Stenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often associated with woodland, but not with water. It is often found in moss and leaf litter.
Seasonal Activity
Can be encountered in most months of the year but with a peak from March to May.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenus impressus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenus impressus
What is Stenus impressus?
Stenus impressus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stenus impressus?
3.7 to 4.5 mm. A slim black rove beetle with yellowy orange legs.
Where is Stenus impressus found?
Habitat: Often associated with woodland, but not with water. It is often found in moss and leaf litter.
When is Stenus impressus active?
Stenus impressus: seasonal activity - Can be encountered in most months of the year but with a peak from March to May..