Tachinus rufipes
This record describes Tachinus rufipes (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a relatively common dark coloured rove beetle and it has the typical short wing cases. Prefers damp (but not wet) habitats, damp logs, matted vegetation, compost and even dung. It is a predator of aphids and other small creatures. Common and widespread throughout Britain
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tachyporinae
- Tribe
- Tachinusini
- Genus
- Tachinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers damp (but not wet) habitats, damp logs, matted vegetation, compost and even dung.
Seasonal Activity
Peaking March/April and again in July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a predator of aphids and other small creatures.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tachinus rufipes. 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 Tachinus rufipes (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachinus rufipes
What is Tachinus rufipes?
Tachinus rufipes is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Tachinus rufipes found?
Habitat: Prefers damp (but not wet) habitats, damp logs, matted vegetation, compost and even dung.
When is Tachinus rufipes active?
Tachinus rufipes: seasonal activity - Peaking March/April and again in July..
What is the life cycle of a Tachinus rufipes?
It is a predator of aphids and other small creatures.