Tasgius melanarius
This record describes Tasgius melanarius (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 14-17mm. Black, sometimes with a bluish sheen to the pronotum. |
| Legs | Legs black but with reddish tarsi. |
| Antennae | Antennae black but getting paler towards the apex. |
| Head | Head transverse and quadrangular. Terminal segment of labial palps large. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum narrows towards the base. It is found in a variety of habitats, including compost heaps. Like many rove beetles, this is predator of smaller insects. Widespread throughout most of England and Wales. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Tasgius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is found in a variety of habitats, including compost heaps.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like many rove beetles, this is predator of smaller insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread throughout most of England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tasgius melanarius. 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 Tasgius melanarius (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tasgius melanarius
What is Tasgius melanarius?
Tasgius melanarius is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Tasgius melanarius found?
Habitat: It is found in a variety of habitats, including compost heaps.
What is the life cycle of a Tasgius melanarius?
Like many rove beetles, this is predator of smaller insects.