Tachyporus nitidulus
This record describes Tachyporus nitidulus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (2.5 to 3 mm long) rove beetle. Like most Tachyporus species, it is variable in appearance and shaped like a teardrop travelling blunt end first. It is identified by the second antennal segment being thickened and noticeable wider than the third segment. A specimen needs to be examined with a microscope or hand lens. In the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed, providing images where possible. It often occurs in marginal or other permanently wet or damp habitats e.g. streams, marshes and can be found among decaying vegetation and accumulated leaf-litter, but may also occur among decaying logs and stumps in any situation or under or among stored hay and straw. All year round but with numbers increasing from late April until the end of the summer. Widespread and common in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Tachyporus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It often occurs in marginal or other permanently wet or damp habitats e.g. streams, marshes and can be found among decaying vegetation and accumulated leaf-litter, but may also occur among decaying logs and stumps in any situation or under or among stored hay and straw.
Seasonal Activity
All year round but with numbers increasing from late April until the end of the summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tachyporus nitidulus. 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 Tachyporus nitidulus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachyporus nitidulus
What is Tachyporus nitidulus?
Tachyporus nitidulus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Tachyporus nitidulus found?
Habitat: It often occurs in marginal or other permanently wet or damp habitats e.g. streams, marshes and can be found among decaying vegetation and accumulated leaf-litter, but may also occur among decaying logs and stumps in any situation or under or among stored hay and straw.
When is Tachyporus nitidulus active?
Tachyporus nitidulus: seasonal activity - All year round but with numbers increasing from late April until the end of the summer..