Philonthus politus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Philonthus politus is a in the . It is a small, predatory approximately 10 mm in length. The has been documented in association with carrion, where it feeds on and other small . It occurs in North America and has been recorded from the Azores islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Santa Maria). The species was first described by in 1758.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Philonthus politus: /pʰɪˈloʊnθəs pəˈlaɪtəs/
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Images
Habitat
Has been documented in carrion , including remains of small vertebrates such as birds.
Distribution
North America; Azores islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Santa Maria).
Diet
Predatory on small , particularly found in carrion.
Ecological Role
in carrion decomposition , contributing to the breakdown of small animal remains by preying on other .
Human Relevance
Of potential interest in due to its association with carrion and predictable presence in decomposition sequences.
Similar Taxa
- Philonthus caeruleipennisSimilar and ; distinguished by metallic green and larger size (12-15 mm vs. ~10 mm). P. caeruleipennis is more commonly associated with fungal .
- Creophilus maxillosusAnother predatory in carrion ; much larger (1123 mm), densely hairy, with distinctive black-and- pattern.