Primitive Winged Insects

Order Coleoptera

The Primitive Winged Insects (Order Coleoptera) includes 15,720 species across 160 families and 3,716 genera in our directory.

About Primitive Winged Insects

Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.

Economic Impact

Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.

Ecological Role

Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.

Families in Coleoptera (160)

Species in Coleoptera (15,720)

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(P. decemlineata sensu lato; southwestern form)

Polyphylla matrona

Scarabaeidae

Identification: "SE AZ has only matrona in the decemlineata group." - D. Hawks Currently considered a synonym of Polyphylla decemlineata by most sources; a valid species per Dave Hawks (unpublished molecular and morphological data in forthcoming revi

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(P. hammondi sensu lato)

Polyphylla proba

Scarabaeidae

Currently considered a synonym of Polyphylla hammondi by most sources; a valid species per Dave Hawks (unpublished molecular and morphological data in forthcoming revision). This species is highly variable.

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(P. hammondi sensu lato)

Polyphylla speciosa

Scarabaeidae

Currently considered a synonym of Polyphylla hammondi by most sources; either a valid species or a synonym of Polyphylla proba per Dave Hawks (unpublished molecular and morphological data in forthcoming revision). Usually has bolder stripes than P. p

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(P. hammondi sensu lato)

Polyphylla subvittata

Scarabaeidae

Currently considered a synonym of Polyphylla hammondi by most sources; a valid species per Dave Hawks (unpublished molecular and morphological data in forthcoming revision).

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10 Spot Ladybird

Adalia decempunctata

Coccinellidae

A small and variable ladybird - which confusingly doesn't always have 10 spots. Newly hatched specimens take a while to develop the orange background colour and appear pale brown like the image below. The legs are brown in this species which is a hel

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14 Spot ladybird

Propylea quattuordecimpunctata

Coccinellidae

A common yellow and black ladybird, though there is variation in the amount of each colour and the shape of the spots. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However photos are always helpful to

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16 Spot Ladybird

Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata

Coccinellidae

This is a small (3 mm), beige coloured ladybird with black spots. The black centre line is a distinguishing feature (only shared with the 14 spot). This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However

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18 Spot Ladybird

Myrrha octodecimguttata

Coccinellidae

The 18-spot Ladybird is a fairly small species. The background colouration is a rich brown (Cream-spot Ladybird is slightly darker and a larger insect). ID can be confirmed by the rounded 'M' mark on the pronotum. Unless identified by a recognised ex

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2 Spot Ladybird

Adalia bipunctata

Coccinellidae

A small, common ladybird with two main colour varieties. Most are red with two black spots but some are black with red spots, the front tow of which extend to the edge of the wing case. Rarely there are intermediates with merged or multiple spots. Th

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22 Spot Ladybird

Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata

Coccinellidae

The brightest of the yellow British ladybirds, it always has 22 spots, which rarely join up. It is a small ladybird at 3 to 4.5 mm. There are two colour varieties, one where the pronotum is yellow, the other where it is white. This species is relativ

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24 Spot Ladybird

Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata

Coccinellidae

This is a very small (3 or 4 mm) orange-red ladybird marked with black spots which may vary in number. The head and pronotum are orange-red the same as the elytra and this ladybird is also hairy which gives it a dull appearance. The legs are also ora

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=NOT IN OUR AREA=

Agra oblongopunctata

Carabidae

Townsend (1902): Agra oblongopunctata , Chevr. - Beaten from masses of clematis vines in palmetto thickets at San Tomas, June 16th and 27th. Beaten from clematis in woods back of Fort Brown, July 3rd. Distr. This is a distinctively tropical Mexican g

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Ababa tantilla

Thanerocleridae

Identification: densely, finely punctured head, small eyes, a pronotum that is more densely punctured than the head, and elytra that are densely punctured with the basal punctures larger than those of the pronotum and becoming smaller apically. Its b

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Abax parallelepipedus

Carabidae

A large beetle (17-22 mm). The pronotum has two parallel depressions (called foveae) and it has wrinkles above its eyes. It also has a 'box-like' shape with the pronotum and elytra edges in a more or less straight line. A few Pterosticus species are

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Abbreviated Wireworm

Hypnoidus abbreviatus

Elateridae

Identification: A diagnostic feature is the relatively pubescent scutellum Abbreviated wireworm is the ESA approved common name for this species.

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Ablechrus texensis

Melyridae

Identification: back of head "piceotestaceous" or dark reddish-brown in color Holotype, female, “Hidalgo Co., Texas. III-26-54. D. J. and J. N. Knull, collectors.” One female paratype, same data, except collected V-28-51.

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Absensiugum teres

Eucnemidae

Identification: Lectotype Type Locality: Columbus, Austin Co., Texas

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Acalymma blandulum

Chrysomelidae

Identification: pale below Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: New Mexico

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Acalymma gouldi

Chrysomelidae

Acalymma gouldi is a leaf beetle species in the genus Acalymma found in North America.

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Acalymma peregrinum

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 described from Guerrero, Mexico, from a single specimen (Schaeffer 1905) First reported for the US by Schaeffer (1905) from a small number of specimens taken near Brownsville, Texas.

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Acanthinus dromedarius

Anthicidae

Acanthinus dromedarius is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is found in Central America, North America, and South America.

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Acanthocinus obsoletus

Cerambycidae

Identification: variable, but tarsi always entirely dark-haired comes to lights

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Acanthoscelides atomus

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Of eastern species, the combination of minute size, ocellate elytral vestiture, and lack of lateral and ventrolateral tibial carinae is diagnostic Type deposited in MCZ - Images here

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Acanthoscelides calvus

Chrysomelidae

Acanthoscelides calvus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. Larvae feed on Crocanthemum seeds.

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Acanthoscelides chiricahuae

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Distinguishing characters are the evenly distributed body setae, the prominent raised denticles at the bases of striae three and four, the telescoped abdominal sterna, and the radiating lines on the metacoxal face. Type Locality: Chir

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Acanthoscelides flavescens

Chrysomelidae

Identification: reddish-brown integument, yellowish vestiture, prominent frontal carina, and male genitalia are characters to separate this species

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Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus

Chrysomelidae

Identification: red integument, eyes strongly enlarged in both sexes, narrowly divided on midline in male, frons carinate and narrowed, third and fourth striae ending in denticles on a gibbosity, and female pygidium with paired, curvate maculae. Type

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Acanthoscelides pallidipennis

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Several color forms: bright golden yellow, dense yellow, or all white.

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Acanthoscelides pectoralis

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics for this species are body largely red with black frons and vertex, thoracic sterna, legs, and elytral border; dorsal vestiture yellowish; and mucro short. Type Locality: Texas

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Acanthoscelides perforatus

Chrysomelidae

Acanthoscelides perforatus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.

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Acanthoscelides prosopoides

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Salient characters are the color pattern, the elongate scutellum, subconical pronotum, and especially the laterally deflected 3rd and 4th strial bases ending in a carinate or toothed subbasal ridge. Color: Body dark red to piceous; ap

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Acanthoscelides quadridentatus

Chrysomelidae

Identification: straw yellow color with dark brown dorsal markings, pronotum broadly striped and pygidium usually narrowly striped, elytral striae parallel, femoral pecten with one long and four shorter denticles, mucro short, and male genitalia dist

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Acanthoscelides submuticus

Chrysomelidae

Identification: the only elable way of separating from A. floridae (Horn) is by examining male genitalia

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Acanthoscelidius griseus 0

Acanthoscelidius griseus

Curculionidae

Identification: Distinguished from all others by the large rectangular tooth of the hind tibiae. Type Locality: Montana

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Acanthoscelidius guttatus

Curculionidae

Identification: Male: Last ventral segment broadly impressed, middle and posterior tibiae unguiculate at the apex. Type series: Two spmns in Mr. Ulke's collection , probably coll'ed by Gideon Lincecum

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Acanthoscelidius mendicus

Curculionidae

Identification: Recognizable by the predominant dark brown color of its scales, rather small size and the distinctly widened outer joints of the antennal funicle. Type series from: Georgia; Columbus, Texas; Florida.

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Acanthoscelidius pusillus 0

Acanthoscelidius pusillus

Curculionidae

Identification: Resembles mendicus , but the prothorax is not constricted at the apex, the elytra more finely striate and without distinct spots on the fifth and ninth interspaces and the darker color of the sutural interspace. The occipital carina i

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Acaromimus americanus

Anthribidae

Identification: color ranges from dark reddish-brown to deep shining black. ( 4 ) Type Locality: Mobile, Alabama ( 6 )

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Achenium depressum

Staphylinidae

Length 7.5 to 10 mm. This rove beetle has quite a distinctive combination of bi-coloured elytra and a distinctively shaped thorax with very sharp anterior angles. Good quality photograph required to support records please. Often found in damp areas o

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Achenomorphus corticinus

Staphylinidae

Identification: Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Comes to UV lights

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Acidota crenata

Staphylinidae

Identification: Generally larger than the other species in the genus

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Acilius abbreviatus

Dytiscidae

Identification: Similar to A. semisulcatus , differs in the appearance of the subapical white band, which is broadened laterally at the elytral suture (±complete arc in A. semisulcatus ). It is also the only Acilius reported from the far west. ―Tim L

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Acilius confusus

Dytiscidae

Identification: Head rufous with indistinct black M-shaped macula

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Acilius sulcatus

Dytiscidae

A large water beetle with considerable colour variation. Although it is a distinctively marked species, there are some very similar species and care is needed with identification. Length 15-18mm, broad oval shape. Pronotum pale with two transverse da

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Acmaeodera acuta

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera acuta is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in the western United States and Mexico. Its larval host is likely Salix and adults hosts include Achillea, Encelia, Rosa, Salix, and Sphaeralcea. The

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Acmaeodera amplicollis

Buprestidae

Identification: Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017 Type locality: Fort Whipple, AZ

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Acmaeodera atactospilota

Buprestidae

Type locality: near Littlerock, Los Angeles Co., CA

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Acmaeodera auritincta

Buprestidae

Identification: metallic green pronotum, though that character is a variable (J. Hansen, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019) Det. J. Hansen, 2017 Type Locality: Kent, Culberson Co., Texas, Sept., 17-18, 1912, 3900-4200 ft

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Acmaeodera bashami

Buprestidae

Identification: The easiest character that separates A. bashami from A. quadrivittatoides is the third lateral elytral stria. In A. quadrivittatoides it splits near the umbone after 0-3 punctures and in A. bashami is splits much closer to the middle

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Acmaeodera bowditchi

Buprestidae

Identification: per Jason Hansen: Type locality: Prescott, AZ Notes on eponym "Mr. F.C. Bowditch of Boston" appears to be Frederick Channing Bowditch (1854-1925) , son of William Ingersoll Bowditch (1819-1909) , making him the grandson of famed navig

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Acmaeodera chiricahuae

Buprestidae

Identification: Can be separated from Acmaeodera flavomarginata by having the red elytral fasciae usually interrupted at middle, the yellow lateral stripe usually much more expanded medially and a well developed subapical plate on 5th ventrite. Type

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Acmaeodera conoidea

Buprestidae

Identification: can easily be separated from similar species of Texas Acmaeodera by broadly emarginate clypeus, third lateral strial split near the umbone, and larval host

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Acmaeodera coquilletti

Buprestidae

Hosts: Ceanothus crassifolius, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Lotus scoparius, Quercus beberidifolia, Quercus wislizeni

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Acmaeodera errans

Buprestidae

Identification: Species determination based on the "coarsely punctured black abdomen, the concave nature of the last abdominal sternite which is broadly rounded in both sexes and on the consistently immaculate humeral angle of the elytra."

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Acmaeodera fattigi

Buprestidae

Identification: Most similar to Acmaeodera mimicata , but differs in the presence of a apical red spot on each elytron. The elytra are also more shiny.

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Acmaeodera flavomarginata

Buprestidae

Identification: Can be separated from Acmaeodera chiricahuae by having the red elytral fasciae not interrupted at middle, the yellow lateral stripe not distinctly expanded medially and the lack of a subapical plate on 5th ventrite.

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Acmaeodera gibbula

Buprestidae

Identification: variable: Type Locality: San Diego to El Paso

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Acmaeodera gillespiensis

Buprestidae

Identification: prominent submarginal ridge (J. Hanson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019), or as Knull says, "raised third costa" series from the same sw TX collecting event: all dets. J. Hansen, 2019 Entomolgists Josef and Dorothy Knull spent many summers c

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Acmaeodera haemorrhoa

Buprestidae

Identification: Det. M. A. Quinn, 2009 Type locality: TX, Laredo to Ringgold Barracks ; first collected by Horace Haldeman during the Mexico boundary survey

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Acmaeodera horni

Buprestidae

This species has been very rarely collected. It was known only from the type until a specimen was found in the University of Arizona Insect Collection from the Santa Catalina Mountains. Rick Westcott and Chuck Bellamy went to the locality of that spe

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Acmaeodera immaculata

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera immaculata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.

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Acmaeodera latiflava

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera latiflava is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.

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Acmaeodera macra

Buprestidae

Identification: Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Uncommon per MacRae (2006) ( 4 ) , though locally common in s. Hidalgo Co., TX - Oct. 2009 (MAQ, pers. obs.) Jaguarundi Trail, Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo Co., TX - Oct. 2009

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Acmaeodera maculifera

Buprestidae

Identification: Can be separated from Acmaeodera princeps by having the pronotum explanate, the basal angle often produced.

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Acmaeodera mixta

Buprestidae

Identification: "A common and extremely variable southwestern US species" ‒Ted C. MacRae

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Acmaeodera neglecta

Buprestidae

Identification: highly variable, similar to A. tubulus , but elytra less shiny and more strongly punctate. The joining of the basal elytral yellow spots into C-shaped markings occurs commonly in this species but rarely in A. tubulus . ‒T.C. MacRae, 7

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Acmaeodera nigrovittata

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera nigrovittata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. A. Nigrovittata is found in North America.

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Acmaeodera opuntiae

Buprestidae

Identification: A. opuntiae has distinctly flattened setae. Also, the form is not as broad as is typical for A. neglecta . (T.C. MacRae, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019) Type Locality: 5 mi W. Sullivan City, Starr Co., TX ( 3 )

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Acmaeodera ornata

Buprestidae

Identification: elongated curved pale lateral humeral mark (J. Hanson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019) Det. J.A. Hansen, 2019 infrequently collected

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Acmaeodera ornatoides

Buprestidae

Identification: short straight pale lateral humeral mark (J. Hanson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019) Det. R. L. Westcott, 2012 Type Locality: Goliad Co., Texas

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Acmaeodera paradisjuncta

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera paradisjuncta (Acmaeodera paradisjuncta) is a species in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Polycestinae, tribe Acmaeod

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Acmaeodera princeps

Buprestidae

Type locality of Acmaeodera princeps Kerremans 1908 is "Nouv Zelande" (New Zealand) - likely lapsus memoriae TL of Acmaeodera flavinigrapunctata Knull 1928 is Raymondville, Willacy Co., Texas

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Acmaeodera recticollis

Buprestidae

Identification: the apical [lateral elytral] spots are more or less reddish. Det. S. G. Wells

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Acmaeodera riograndei

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera riograndei is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in Central America and North America.

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Acmaeodera robigo

Buprestidae

Identification: Det. S. Wellso, 1996 Type Locality: Lake Corpus Christi, TX

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Acmaeodera solitaria

Buprestidae

Identification: strong serrations along the elytral margin (J. Hansen, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019) Dets. M. A. Quinn, 2017 Type Locality: "Mexique"

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Acmaeodera sphaeralceae

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera sphaeralceae is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.

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Acmaeodera tildenorum

Buprestidae

Acmaeodera tildenorum (Acmaeodera tildenorum) is a species in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Polycestinae, tribe Acmaeoderini,

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Acmaeodera tubulus

Buprestidae

Identification: A. tubulus vs A. neglecta (mostly south-central US north to MO; the lower left individual only): note the coarser and larger elytral punctures on A. neglecta and the C-shaped markings formed by coalescing humeral and premedial spots.

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Acmaeodera tuta

Buprestidae

See under "Print References". The group is confusing and needs a thorough study.

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Acmaeodera uvaldensis

Buprestidae

Type locality: Uvalde, Texas only a few US records reported

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Acmaeodera variegata

Buprestidae

Identification: Pronotum much more deeply punctate than other species in the Acmaeodera pulchella complex (i.e. Acmaeodera pulchella, A. mixta, A. immaculata) Type Locality: Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Acmaeoderopsis chisosensis

Buprestidae

Identification: elytra of some specimens have a bluish reflection. Type Locality: Chisos Mountains, Brewster Co., Texas

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Acmaeoderopsis hualpaiana

Buprestidae

Identification: Similar and closely related to A. rockefelleri , but separated by range and the lack of abundant scales along the lateral sides of the elytra.

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Acmaeoderopsis hulli

Buprestidae

Acmaeoderopsis hulli (Acmaeoderopsis hulli) is a species in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Polycestinae, tribe Acmaeoderini, s

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Acmaeoderopsis jaguarina

Buprestidae

Identification: Easily separated from all Acmaeoderopsis by the distinctively narrowed shape as well as the combination of semi-circular, fan-like scales and stout, semi-erect setae on the elytra.

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Acmaeoderopsis prosopis

Buprestidae

Acmaeoderopsis prosopis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.

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Acmaeops discoideus

Cerambycidae

Acmaeops discoideus is a long-horned beetle in the flower longhorn subfamily, Lepturinae. It is found in the United States and Canada, and feeds on Virginia pine.

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Acmaeopsoides rufula

Cerambycidae

Identification: Similar to Acmaeops , but has the eyes notched, and only a weak basal swelling on the pronotum. Pronotum angled at middle, with appressed pubescence, and elytra uniformly reddish-brown

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Acorn Weevil

Curculio glandium

Curculionidae

Length 4 to 8 mm. The most striking feature of the acorn weevil is its elongated snout, known as a 'rostrum', which is longer in females than males. Adults have a brownish and patterned body. Weevils in this genus can be hard to tell apart. C. glandi

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Acritus acaroides

Histeridae

Acritus acaroides (Acritus acaroides) is a species in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Abraeinae, tribe Acritini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamil

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Acritus attaphilus

Histeridae

Type locality: TEXAS: Boerne, 10 feet down in nest of Atta texana (Kendall Co.)

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Acritus komai

Histeridae

"most certainly introduced, but not well documented." --M.S. Caterino, pers. comm. to =v= 28.iii.2011

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Acropteroxys lecontei

Erotylidae

Identification: separaged from gracilis by the large round or oval black thoracic spot not reaching any of the sides

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Acrossus depressus

Scarabaeidae

This dung beetle is about 6 mm long and can be very variable in colour, ranging from specimens with rust red elytra and black thorax, to all black forms. The top of the pronotum is evenly covered with fine punctures. Unless identified by a recognised

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Acrossus rufipes

Scarabaeidae

9-13mm. Dark brown to black dung beetle. The scutellum is an equilateral triangle. The pronotum has a few large punctures amongst an even covering of fine punctures - a key ID feature when combined with the large size. A good quality photo + a note o

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Acrotrichis rosskotheni

Ptiliidae

This is a very tiny, dark brown feather-wing beetle. This family contains the smallest of all beetles with a length of 0.5 mm and even the largest members of the family only measure 2 mm. Adults and larvae of this family are usually found in rotting

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Actenodes acornis

Buprestidae

Identification: Fourth segment of antenna strongly triangular, at widest part nearly twice as wide as third, and the following segments transverse (wider than long).

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Actenodes flexicaulis

Buprestidae

Identification: posterior angles of pronotum converging vs. Actenodes calcarata Type series: Esperanza Ranch and S. Tomas [Sabal Palm Sanctuary], Brownsville, Tex. Four specimens in the Museum of the Brooklyn Institute. (Schaeffer 1904)

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Acupalpus dubius

Carabidae

2.5 - 3mm. A small, dark brown (almost black) ground beetle with the pronotum a lighter brown. The antennae are dark but with a paler first segment. The legs are yellow-brown. The pronotum narrows towards the base and has very rounded hind angles. Th