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)

Oberea praelonga

Cerambycidae

Identification: quite variable in coloration: the elytra sometimes are paler down the middle, the antenna are sometimes paler toward the tip, the legs are often pale, the basal pronotal spot is sometimes reduced or missing, the head is sometimes pale

Oberea pruinosa

Cerambycidae

Identification: Per Lingafelter, Oberea pruinosa Casey 1913 is morphologically identical to and a potential synonym of Oberea schaumii LeConte 1852 the descriptions of Oberea schaumii, caseyi, pruinosa in Lingafelter and Yanega are in disagreement wi

Oberea schaumii

Cerambycidae

Identification: Per Lingafelter, first two or three abdominal sternites nearly completely dark (at least at center), remainder pale yellow or testaceous, rear top of head usually dark, posterolateral pronotal spot usually larger than the central spot

Obrium glabrum

Cerambycidae

Described from a unique female labeled Davis Mountains, TEXAS, July 10. ( 3 ) Obrium glabrum is rare in collections, only 8 specimens, all from the Davis Mountains, had been collected by the time of Hovore & Chemsak's (1979) publication.

Obrium mozinnae

Cerambycidae

"This tiny, bicolored species is often abundant on blossoms of leguminous trees and shrubs and is also attracted to lights."

Obrium rubidum

Cerambycidae

Identification: largest and darkest of the three eastern spp.; shape distinctive Type Locality: Pennsylvania

Obrium rufulum

Cerambycidae

Identification: uniformly pale, shining; pronotum with lateral tubercles; shape distinctive comes to lights

Obscure Sap Beetle

Conotelus obscurus

Nitidulidae

Obscure Sap Beetle (Conotelus obscurus) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap-feeding beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cillaeinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucu

Ochina ptinoides

Ptinidae

A small beetle 2.5 to 3.5 mm long. The brown elytra are usually tipped with red at the ends. Adults may be found on umbel flowers during hot weather especially near ivy, but can also be found on the leaves of various plants. They sometimes come to li

Ochraethes citrinus

Cerambycidae

several old spmns labelled only as having come from Hidalgo or Cameron County ( 7 ) , though a modern record exists from west of Ciudad Victoria, Tamps, Mex. ( 8 )

Ochyromera ligustri

Curculionidae

earliest record in our area: NC 1959 (accidentally introduced with host plant); by 2005, reached c.TX ( 7 ) ( 8 )

Octinodes gracilior

Elateridae

Identification: This graceful species because of its shining appearance, more or less cylindrical prothorax, with coarse yet well spaced punctures and contrasting coloration, stands well apart from our California species. note that the reddish pronot

Octotoma championi

Chrysomelidae

Introduced into Australia for the control of Lantana

Ocypus aeneocephalus

Staphylinidae

A species of extensive habitats on damp but well drained soils. All year round, but peak time is summer and autumn. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.

Ocypus brunnipes

Staphylinidae

A large dark brown or blackish rove beetle with orange legs. It can measure up to 13 mm or more. Various habitats including damp but well drained soils, in woods and under stones. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Ocypus nitens

Staphylinidae

Identification: Very similar to Tasgius melanarius . Relevant details separating on the generic level are in the mouthparts, rarely visible on life images. The wings are visibly shorter than the pronotum in O. nitens , and pronotal punctures dense, b

Ocys harpaloides/tachysoides

Ocys harpaloides / tachysoides

Carabidae

Beetles previously thought to be Ocys harpaloides have recently been shown to comprise two species , the other being Ocys tachysoides , but they can only be separated by examination of the genitalia or DNA analysis. If you are unable to separate the

Odeles marginata

Scirtidae

Around 5mm. Generally dirty yellow and black with the elytral hairs increasing towards the apex and sides. The head is black and the pronotum is dark in the centre but with yellowish margins. Antennal segment 2 and 3 are pale. See the ID checklist be

Odonteus thoracicornis

Geotrupidae

Identification: Males usually have pronotal armature, sometimes large curving projections. Among the NA species, this one is most similar to the European O. armiger

Odontocorynus falsus

Curculionidae

Identification: our only Odontocorynus with a slender body shape males easily recognized by anteriolateral pronotal tubercles:

Odontocorynus pulverulentus

Curculionidae

Identification: the only species with scaled elytral striae

Odontocorynus salebrosus

Curculionidae

Identification: Most O. salebrosus are easily identifiable, except for females from se.US where O. calcarifer and O. larvatus occur. In particular, small and abraded specimens require direct comparison with typical specimens. As in O. umbellae , reli

Odontolytes denominatus

Scarabaeidae

Odontolytes denominatus (Odontolytes denominatus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as scarab beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Aphodiinae, tribe Eupariini, suborder Poly

Odontota scapularis

Chrysomelidae

Identification: femoral base orange Det. E. G. Riley

Odontota signaticollis

Chrysomelidae

Identification: The dark metallic greenish blue elytra trimmed with red and the pair of faint orange spots on the otherwise dark pronotum are diagnostic.

Odontotaenius floridanus

Passalidae

Identification: Distinguished from O. disjunctus (which also occurs in FL) by the horn shape and wider foretibia Type Locality: Archbold Biological Station near Lake Placid, Highlands Co., Florida

Oedemera lurida

Oedemeridae

Length 5 to 8 mm. A generally long and slender species, which is a greyish sage green in colour. It often leaves its elytra (wing cases) agape. Active in bright sunshine in open habitats with plenty of wild flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers, w

Ohlone Tiger Beetle

Cicindela ohlone

Carabidae

Federally listed endangered species. For details (including some interesting natural history) see this PDF from the US Fish & Wildlife Service's website. The Ohlone Tiger Beetle was discovered and named by the late Randy Morgan ...naturalist extraor

Oiceoptoma thoracicum

Silphidae

Sometimes known as the Red-breasted Carrion Beetle, this is a two coloured species and distinctive in appearance. Found on or under the carcasses of birds and small mammals, often in woodland habitats. Curiously enough this species does not eat the m

Old House Borer

Hylotrupes bajulus

Cerambycidae

This beetle is around 15 mm long and brown to black, sometimes appearing greyer because of a fine grey furriness on most of the upper surface. On the pronotum two conspicuously hairless tubercles are characteristic of the species. Unless identified b

Olibrus corticalis

Phalacridae

The elytra are a straw brown colour but with a darker brown triangle behind the pronotum. As with all Olibrus species, the final antennal segment is nipple-shaped. The second elytral stria meets the first before the apex. Usually found on flowers in

Oligomerus sericans

Ptinidae

Identification: Front coxae separated, 10 antennomeres

Olive Euphoria

Euphoria herbacea

Scarabaeidae

fairly common in early summer in Durham, NC. I have not seen it at flowers, however, as is common with E. sepulcralis . (This could just be due to my limited experience with the beetles.) Almost all E. herbacea I have seen appear to be in a frantic r

Olophrum piceum

Staphylinidae

This is a small chestnut brown beetle with an unusual appearance for a member of the Staphylinidae family. It has strongly pitted elytra and pronotum with a black head and small black scutellum. Most frequently encountered in leaf litter. Can be foun

Omalium rivulare

Staphylinidae

This is a small (3.5 to 5 mm), mainly brown rove beetle. Associated with decomposing material of all kinds, fungi, rotting wood, birds nests etc. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Omalium undescribed

Staphylinidae

Identification: Transverse pronotum, and relatively thick antennomere 3-5 blending into a 6-seg. club Page created to accomodate this distinctive but not yet described (in process) northeastern species

Omileus epicaeroides

Curculionidae

Identification: Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015 Type Locality: Texas

Omonadus formicarius

Anthicidae

must have been established in NA long before 1895, when Casey produced three junior synonyms of it

Omophoita albicollis

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Median spot on each elytron oblique and linear - Doris Blake "This probably is not O. cyanipennis , but a new record for U.S. It seems identical with e.g. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/431771 from the Caribbean, which is di

Omorgus howelli

Trogidae

Identification: Closely related to the widespread O. suberosus and to a lesser degree to O. tytus considered by FL to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need • comes to light

Omorgus suberosus

Trogidae

Omorgus suberosus (Omorgus suberosus) is a species in the family Trogidae, commonly known as hide beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Scarabaeoidea. This species belongs to

Omorgus tytus

Trogidae

Rarely collected , but occasionally comes to lights (BG data)

Omorgus umbonatus

Trogidae

Identification: ...wierdly confluent elytral punctures, lack of elytral humeral umbones, and parallel elytra being fairly diagnostic. (Wm B. Warner, 2010)

Omosita colon

Nitidulidae

Identification: aedeagus illustrated here the commonest member of the genus in Europe

Omosita discoidea

Nitidulidae

Omosita discoidea (Omosita discoidea) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap-feeding beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Nitidulinae, tribe Nitidulini, suborder Polyphaga,

Omosita nearctica

Nitidulidae

there are confirmed specimens of true O. colon from ON (Kirejtshuk 1987) and across Canada

Omphalapion hookerorum

Apionidae

A small (1.6 to 2 mm) grey-black weevil with ribbed elytra. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note

Onota angulicollis

Carabidae

Onota angulicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in Central America, North America, and South America.

Ontholestes murinus

Staphylinidae

A very distinctive rove beetle which is around 14mm in length. The thorax has a few gingery hairs and a general brownish mottled appearance, whilst the abdomen shows some grey. Distinguished from the only other member of the genus, O. tesselatus , by

Ontholestes tessellatus

Staphylinidae

Length 14 to 19 mm. A very distinctive rove beetle with some orangey-yellow colouring in the legs. It is similar to Ontholestes murinus but that species has completely dark legs. Usually found in association with carrion. All year round especially in

Onthophagus altivagans

Scarabaeidae

Identification: Males of O. altivagans differ from O. subopacus males by the form of the pronotal prominence, and in that the pygidium is shiny only towards the apex. Additionally, the pronotal setation is longer and denser.

Onthophagus batesi

Scarabaeidae

Although this species can be considered common throughout much of its range in Mexico and Central America it is apparently rare in south Texas. The only published records for Texas (and the United States) are those accompanying the original descripti

Onthophagus cavernicollis

Scarabaeidae

Slay et al. (2012) categorize this sp. as a troglophile (an animal that may complete its life cycle in a cave, but can also survive outside)

Onthophagus concinnus

Scarabaeidae

Identification: Bicolored green and yellow; male with anteriorly projected pronotal lobe

Onthophagus depressus

Scarabaeidae

Identification: clypeus sharply emarginate, pronotum appear rough, granulate earliest record in our area: GA 1937

Onthophagus joannae

Scarabaeidae

A uniformly dark grey-black beetle measuring 4 to 6 mm. Associated with animal dung especially sheep dung. Widespread in the south of Britain but infrequent further north. No additional images available for this species.

Onthophagus knausi

Scarabaeidae

Identification: Small size, elytra with 6 striæ between suture and humerus, striæ 2‒5 with two irregular rows of small tubercles locally abundant in se.NE

Onthophagus mextexus

Scarabaeidae

an important component for sustainable tropical cattle ranching in Veracruz, Mexico

Onthophagus nuchicornis

Scarabaeidae

accidentally introduced to North America prior to the 1840s

Onthophagus oklahomensis

Scarabaeidae

Identification: Similar to O. pennsylvanicus , but usually smaller and with two sizes of punctures on pronotum (punctures uniform in O. pennsylvanicus )

Onthophagus pennsylvanicus

Scarabaeidae

Identification: Sexual dimorphism not pronounced [males without obvious horns or protuberances]; similar to O. oklahomensis

Onthophilus striatus

Histeridae

A very small greyish beetle being only about 2 mm long, the elytra are deeply ridged. Under rotting plants, in manure, on carrion and fungi. All year but especially in spring and summer. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, less well

Oomorphus floridanus

Chrysomelidae

Type Locality: collected in some numbers at Biscayne, Fla. by E. A. Schwarz.

Oosternum attacomis

Hydrophilidae

Spangler reported that Moser submitted what became the type series of Oosternum attacomis from Louisiana for identification. They were collected from detritus cavities 2-8 feet underground in nests of the Texas leaf-cutting ant, Atta texana and were

Opaque Earth Boring Beetle

Geotrupes opacus

Geotrupidae

Identification: Moderately dull; black; elytra without striae, just rows of punctures (same as ulkei ) - easy to ID

Ophonus ardosiacus

Carabidae

Length 10 to 14 mm. A rather variable species - the elytra may vary from a bright dark blue to almost black. The legs are usually brown. Usually found on disturbed ground or post industrial sites often under stones. All year round, but most likely to

Ophonus puncticeps

Carabidae

A 6.5 to 9 mm long, brownish black, seed eating ground beetle. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the

Ophonus rufibarbis

Carabidae

This medium sized beetle (7-9mm) has a dark brown body and pale legs and antennae. The pronotum is strongly sinuate with sharp points at the hind angles. Found in sparsely vegetated habitats on all soil types.

Ophraella americana

Chrysomelidae

Identification: generally more oval than most of its congeners, mid-elytral stripe generally straight, subsutural line also straight but faint Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 uncommon

Ophraella conferta

Chrysomelidae

Identification: Det. from specimen, Brad Barnd, 2022

Ophryastes argentatus

Curculionidae

Identification: LeConte: One female, with the elytra nearly twice as wide as the thorax; the anterior and posterior marginal impressions of the thorax are entire and very distinct, uniting with the dorsal line; the color is more uniform than in the o

Ophryastes decipiens 0

Ophryastes decipiens

Curculionidae

Identification: In this species there is a great deal of variation in size, shape, and degree of maculation. Some specimens are robust, convex, the body dilaited and widest behind the middle, others are flatter and more parallel, with the body widest

Ophryastes desertus

Curculionidae

Identification: Elytra oblong oval, three times as long as the thorax, one and a-half times as long as wide, strive broad and shallow, punctures coarse and serrate, intervals feebly convex. Body beneath and legs densely covered with whitish scales. D

Ophryastes dunnianus 0

Ophryastes dunnianus

Curculionidae

Identification: Scales light and dark gray, confusedly mottled; elytral striae impressed, finely punctate (last key couplet) This name seems to have caused considerable confusion. Casey's description of the species states that it is white, with the s

Ophryastes huachucae

Curculionidae

Identification: head and sides of prothorax dominantly white; brown scales of pronotal disk more or less concentrated into two broad stripes, one on either side of the middle; disk of elytra clouded but mainly brown, the legs barred. Det. C. W. O.Bri

Ophryastes latirostris

Curculionidae

Identification: This species differs from [most (all?) spp.] by the obliquity of the lateral grooves of the rostrum, which is also thicker than in the other species. Type Locality: "on the Arkansas River, near the mountains."

Ophryastes nivosus

Curculionidae

Identification: The male is pure white throughout; the female is feebly mottled with faint oval annular spots, each centered on a strial puncture. In the female the median sulcus of the rostrum is longer than in the male, extending somewhat indefinit

Ophryastes ovipennis

Curculionidae

Type locality: [El] Paso del Norte, Mexico (=Ciudad Juárez)

Ophryastes pilosus

Curculionidae

Identification: Color dark gray, sparingly and irregularly mottled with black, especially upon the basal portions of the second and fourth elytral intervals; pronotum bearing a blackish lateral stripe upon each side and a narrow black median line. De

Ophryastes shufeldti

Curculionidae

Identification: readily distinguished from tuderosus and latirostris of LeConte by the much less transverse prothorax. Det. C. W. O'Brien, 2011 Type Locality: Fort Wingate , New Mexico

Ophryastes simulans

Curculionidae

Identification: This species like others in the genus is quite variable in size and somewhat unstable as to color pattern. I have selected as types specimens of intermediate size and of the most characteristic color pattern. Some specimens are of a m

Ophryastes sordidus

Curculionidae

Identification: the brown and gray scales are intermixed and do not form any well defined spaces; the latter color predominates on the head, and the former on the elytra. Det. Charles W. O'Brien, 2009 Type Locality: One female specimen, Platte River.

Ophryastes tuberosus

Curculionidae

Identification: Thorax nearly twice as wide as long, constricted at apex and base, sides (tuberosities) slightly divergent and notched at middle, surface deeply punctured and very irregular. Elytra regularly oval with rows of large, deeply impressed

Ophryastes turbinatus

Curculionidae

Identification: near O. dunnianus Casey (AZ-w.TX), and O. decipiens LeC. (AZ-w.TX), from both of which, it may be distinguished by the anteriorly widened prothorax. (Sharp, 1911) Det. C. W. O'Brien, 2010 Type Locality: Lampazos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (C

Oploptera simplicicollis

Tenebrionidae

Identification: thick ant. segments separate Oploptera from most Strongylium

Oplosia nubila

Cerambycidae

Oplosia nubila is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862.

Ora hyacintha

Scirtidae

Identification: distinctive: dorsum glabrous, elytra costate

Ora zacki

Scirtidae

described by Epler (2026) from material from Guatemala and Texas. This species was previously known as O. cf. marmorata Champion based on a single male specimen from Texas.

Orange Ladybird

Halyzia sedecimguttata

Coccinellidae

Easy to identify, with its orange/yellow head, body and legs. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However photos are always helpful to confirm your record. It is often found in woodland, part

Orange-banded Checkered Beetle

Enoclerus ichneumoneus

Cleridae

Identification: A very wide orangish-brown band across the middle of the elytra and an elongate scutellum

Orange-bracketed Longhorned Beetle

Crossidius discoideus

Cerambycidae

Associated with composites in the genera Gutierrezia & Haplopappus ; larvae bore in the root crown while adults are found on the flowers and foliage. --T.C. MacRae

Orchesia undulata

Melandryidae

There are three British species in the genus, but the other two are both plain coloured, without a pattern. Widespread in England and Wales, less common further north. No additional images available for this species.

Orchestes betuleti

Curculionidae

Orchestes betuleti is a very small (about 2.5mm) weevil associated with Elm. It may vary from orange-red to darker red. The unmarked elytra, head, legs and rostrum are all red. The larvae mine the mature leaves of Elm (see ‘Life History’ section belo

Orchestes fagi

Curculionidae

These are small (2 to 3 mm) but very distinctive weevils, black dark brown or blackish with antennae, tarsi and sometimes the extreme tip of the rostrum and tibial apices red. The larva mines the leaves of Beech. Adult : Unless identified by a recogn

Orchestes hortorum

Curculionidae

The larvae mine the leaves of Oak creating a gallery along the edge of the leaf leading to a circular blotch, from which a case is cut leaving a round hole. The adult weevil is black with white markings. Mines are commonly found in English Oak, but c

Orchestes mixtus

Curculionidae

Identification: hind femur slightly to moderately expanded discussion of a 2007 outbreak in Dallas of the "Elm flea weevil" - Mike Merchant, 2007

Orchestes quercus

Curculionidae

A small weevil of just over 3.5 mm in length, it is chestnut brown coloured and hairy. The larva mine the leaves of various oak species causing a leafmine. There is an oviposition scar in the midrib. The first part of the corridor follows the midrib,

Orchestes rusci

Curculionidae

A tiny weevil of just over 2 mm in length. The larva mines Birch leaves, creating a broad gallery leading eventually to a hole in the leaf where the larva has cut out a circular leaf sandwich. This falls to the ground with the larva inside, and it pu

Orchid Beetle

Dascillus cervinus

Dascillidae

This beetle is about 1 cm long and is covered in hair, which is yellowish brown in the females and greyer in the males. Rough grassland, usually on flowers, but sometimes in bushes. The larvae eat roots, mainly those of vigorous grasses.

Orchid Weevil

Orchidophilus aterrimus

Curculionidae

the most frequently intercepted and noxious species of the genus; earliest record in our area: DC 1906