Staphylinoidea
Staphylinoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Staphylinoidea: /ˌstæfɪˌlɪnɔɪˈdiːə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Staphylinoidea is a superfamily of beetles known for its large diversity and worldwide distribution, primarily associated with decaying organic matter and fungi, with members that vary greatly in size and ecological roles.
Physical Characteristics
Adult staphylinoids are generally small beetles, usually no more than a few millimeters long, though some can reach up to 50 mm long in Staphylinidae and 45 mm in Silphidae. Family Ptiliidae includes the smallest beetles, with adults generally not exceeding 1 mm long; the smallest species measures just 325 μm.
Identification Tips
Adults can be recognised by the absence of an accessory posterior ridge in the hind wings, lack of a medial loop or wedge cell, and the eighth segment of the abdomen not being entirely invaginated within the seventh. The head typically lacks a coronal suture.
Habitat
Associated with all kinds of decaying matter and fungi.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution; all seven families are represented in various regions.
Diet
Most Staphylinidae are predatory, while others feed on decaying organic matter.
Life Cycle
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Reproduction
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Predators
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Conservation Status
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Ecosystem Role
Play significant roles in decomposition and nutrient recycling due to their association with decaying matter.
Economic Impact
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Cultural Significance
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Health Concerns
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Evolution
The unambiguous fossil record dates back to the Triassic period, suggesting a probable early Mesozoic origin of the group.
Misconceptions
Silphidæ has been downgraded to a subfamily within Staphylinidæ, which was previously thought to be a separate family.
Tags
- beetles
- Staphylinoidea
- ecology
- insects
- carrion beetles
- predatory beetles
- decomposers