Acaromimus americanus
This record describes Acaromimus americanus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
color ranges from dark reddish-brown to deep shining black. ( 4 ) Type Locality: Mobile, Alabama ( 6 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Choraginae
- Tribe
- Araecerini
- Genus
- Acaromimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mostly coastal plains, or occasionally riparian, e.g. Clemson. SC
Geographic Range
TX (Columbus), se.LA (Baton Rouge), s.AL (Mobile), c.-s.FL, c.SC (Clemson) / Bahamas - Map , found in 5 or more FL counties
Diet and Behavior
Diet: taken beating dead Sabal palm fronds on Gasparilla Island, Charlotte Co., Florida; on dead coconut palm fronds on Andros Island, Bahamas; on dead branches in coastal forest with no palms present, also on Andros; crawling on tree trunks at night in Matheson Hammock, Miami, Florida; and beating dead mangrove on Virginia Key, Miami. ( 6 )
Life History
flightless
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acaromimus (G). 'tiny actor'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acaromimus americanus. 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 Acaromimus americanus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acaromimus americanus
What is Acaromimus americanus?
Acaromimus americanus is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acaromimus americanus?
0.6 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Acaromimus americanus?
color ranges from dark reddish-brown to deep shining black. ( 4 )
Where is Acaromimus americanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly coastal plains, or occasionally riparian, e.g. Clemson. SC |
| Range | TX (Columbus), se.LA (Baton Rouge), s.AL (Mobile), c.-s.FL, c.SC (Clemson) / Bahamas - Map , found in 5 or more FL counties |
What does Acaromimus americanus eat?
The diet of the Acaromimus americanus includes taken beating dead Sabal palm fronds on Gasparilla Island, Charlotte Co., Florida; on dead coconut palm fronds on Andros Island, Bahamas; on dead branches in coastal forest with no palms present, also on Andros; crawling on tree trunks at night in Matheson Hammock, Miami, Florida; and beating dead mangrove on Virginia Key, Miami. ( 6 ).
What is the life cycle of a Acaromimus americanus?
flightless