Bledius

Bledius

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bledius: /ˈble.di.us/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Georgiy Jacobson - Beetles Russia and Western Europe - plate 15 by see in description. Used under a Public domain license.
Canadian beetles (10.3897-zookeys.894.37862) Figures 9, 10 (cropped) by Pentinsaari M, Anderson R, Borowiec L, Bouchard P, Brunke A, Douglas H, Smith A, Hebert P (2019) DNA barcodes reveal 63 overlooked species of Canadian beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera). ZooKeys 894: 53-150. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.894.37862. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Canadian beetles (10.3897-zookeys.894.37862) Figures 9, 10 by Pentinsaari M, Anderson R, Borowiec L, Bouchard P, Brunke A, Douglas H, Smith A, Hebert P (2019) DNA barcodes reveal 63 overlooked species of Canadian beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera). ZooKeys 894: 53-150. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.894.37862. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Bledius semiferrugineus by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Bledius is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles within the family Staphylinidae, with at least 90 species reported in specific regions and over 450 species recognized worldwide. They are adapted to live in wetland areas, feeding on algae and creating protective tunnels for their eggs and larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Spiny-legged rove beetles; adults exhibit distinctive spiny legs.

Identification Tips

Identification can be aided by examining the leg structure and habitat preferences, as well as the specific morphology of the exoskeleton.

Habitat

Near fresh and saline wet areas, especially in environments where algae are present.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, particularly common in most of North America; over 450 species globally.

Diet

Adults harvest algae from wet surfaces and store it in living chambers in the mud or sand.

Life Cycle

Females lay eggs in special tunnels that they excavate, where larvae are also reared.

Reproduction

Reproductive behavior involves creating chambers that can be sealed during high tide or periods of high water for protection of the offspring.

Ecosystem Role

May play a role in algal consumption and nutrient cycling in wetland habitats.

Collecting Methods

  • Sampling from wetland areas
  • Collection by hand from algae-covered surfaces

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying specimens

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Bledius beetles are often mistaken for other types of beetles due to their small size and habitat; they are not harmful to humans.

Tags

  • Bledius
  • Rove beetles
  • Staphylinidae
  • Wetland insects
  • Marine insects