Veraphis capitata
This record describes Veraphis capitata (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

From Casey's key ... -Elytra finely punctulate; pronotum with short transverse impressed line at base -Head not carinate -Rufo-testaceus -Prothorax wider than long -Eyes small, tempora behind them subparallel and as long as eyes Apparently prefer northern latitudes or high altitudes and appear to be extremely rare.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scydmaeninae
- Tribe
- Eutheiini
- Genus
- Veraphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Veraphis capitata Casey, 1897
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Veraphis capitata. 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 Veraphis capitata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Marc DiGirolomo
Frequently Asked Questions About Veraphis capitata
What is Veraphis capitata?
Veraphis capitata is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Veraphis capitata?
1.25 mm
How do you identify Veraphis capitata?
From Casey's key ... -Elytra finely punctulate; pronotum with short transverse impressed line at base -Head not carinate -Rufo-testaceus -Prothorax wider than long -Eyes small, tempora behind them subparallel and as long as eyes
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