Species Xantholinus linearis

Xantholinus linearis (Olivier, 1794)

Synonyms:

6 to 8.6 mm (1)

Native to the Palaearctic, introduced into North America initially to the west coast (first records in 1920 from Vancouver Island, British Columbia and 1931 from Seattle, Washington). It was later introduced separately to the east coast, with the earliest eastern records being in 1976 & 1978 from Massachusetts. (1)

In North America, it can be found in the northeast and Pacific northwest (apparently currently disjunct). (1)(2)

State/Province Records: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)

CAN: AB, BC, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE

USA: CA, DE, ID, MA, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OR, PA, RI, UT, WA

Usually in various kinds of decaying organic matter (e.g. dung, compost, and rotting plants). Has been found in gardens, farmland, disturbed areas, debris around farmhouses, leaf litter, moss, under stones and boards, and in low vegetation. (1)(5)