Philonthus caeruleipennis
(Mannerheim, 1830)
Blue-winged Rove Beetle
A medium-sized rove beetle with striking metallic blue-green contrasting against a black body. It is predatory, hunting other insects in fungal and decaying organic matter . The occurs across northern North America and parts of Eurasia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Philonthus caeruleipennis: /pʰɪˈlɒnθəs sɛˌruːliˈpɛnɪs/
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Identification
Recognizable by the combination of black body with metallic blue-green , 12-15 mm length, and the characteristic shortened elytra exposing most of the typical of rove beetles. The metallic coloration distinguishes it from most other Philonthus which tend toward uniform black or brown coloration.
Images
Habitat
Found in association with fungi, particularly mushrooms and decaying fungal fruiting bodies. Has been observed on oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) and in carrion .
Distribution
Transcontinental in Canada; occurs in the northeastern quarter of the United States from New England west to Minnesota and south to Kansas. Also recorded from Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Russia (Siberia, Far East, Kuriles), and Korea.
Diet
Predatory on other small insects. Has been observed hunting fungus beetles (Triplax spp.) and likely feeds on fly larvae and other soft-bodied insects in its .
Host Associations
- Pleurotus - oyster mushrooms, where hunts other insects
- Triplax thoracica - preypleasing fungus beetle preyed upon
Behavior
An active that moves quickly through fungal substrates. Capable of but often remains concealed. When disturbed, may attempt to escape by running or flying.
Ecological Role
in fungal microhabitats, regulating of fungus-feeding beetles and other small insects. Part of the complex of insects associated with decaying fungi.
Human Relevance
Occasionally encountered by mushroom foragers and entomologists studying fungal insect . Featured in the Entomological Society of America "World of Insects" calendar (September).
Similar Taxa
- Philonthus politusSimilar size and association, but P. politus lacks metallic blue-green and has more uniformly dark coloration
- Platydracus maculosusLarger brown rove beetle (22-35 mm) sharing but distinguished by larger size, brown coloration with yellow markings, and more robust build
- Other Philonthus speciesMost lack the distinctive metallic blue-green ; many are uniformly black or brown
More Details
Conservation status
Not evaluated; appears to be widespread and locally common in suitable