About Common Aleocharine
A tiny, dark brown aleocharine rove beetle now commercially sold as a biological control agent. It is an aggressive predator of fungus gnat larvae, thrips, and shore fly larvae in greenhouses.
Did You Know?
This beetle is sold commercially by biocontrol companies and released by the thousands in greenhouses to control fungus gnats organically.
How to Identify Common Aleocharine
Common Aleocharine (Atheta coriaria) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Staphylinidae. Adults typically measure 3-4 mm.
Common Aleocharine Habitat
Common Aleocharine is found in underground habitats, particularly across Holarctic, now distributed globally through commercial biocontrol. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Common Aleocharine Diet and Feeding
Common Aleocharine is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Common Aleocharine Found?
Common Aleocharine can be found in Holarctic, now distributed globally through commercial biocontrol, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Common Aleocharine can be found
Is Common Aleocharine Dangerous?
Common Aleocharine is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Common Aleocharine Role in Nature
Common Aleocharine serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Aleocharine
What does Common Aleocharine look like?
The Common Aleocharine typically measures 3-4 mm.
Where is Common Aleocharine found?
The Common Aleocharine is found in Holarctic, now distributed globally through commercial biocontrol and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Common Aleocharine eat?
The Common Aleocharine is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Common Aleocharine dangerous to humans?
The Common Aleocharine is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Common Aleocharine?
This beetle is sold commercially by biocontrol companies and released by the thousands in greenhouses to control fungus gnats organically.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Common Aleocharine (Atheta coriaria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-aleocharine
MLA:
"Common Aleocharine." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-aleocharine.