Acanthinus argentinus
This record describes Acanthinus argentinus (species). Recorded family: Anthicidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
earliest record in our area: FL 2003 (Gimmel 2010)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Anthicidae (Antlike Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Anthicinae
- Genus
- Acanthinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to S. America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina), adventive and spreading in US (SC-FL-TX) (Gimmel 2010)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acanthinus argentinus (Pic 1913)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acanthinus argentinus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
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.
Ecological role of the group
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.
Economic and practical significance of the group
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.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acanthinus argentinus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthinus argentinus
What is Acanthinus argentinus?
Acanthinus argentinus is a species in the family Anthicidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acanthinus argentinus?
2.6-3.2 mm
Where is Acanthinus argentinus found?
Range: native to S. America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina), adventive and spreading in US (SC-FL-TX) (Gimmel 2010)