Acritus acaroides
This record describes Acritus acaroides (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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, superfamily Histeroidea. This species belongs to the genus Acritus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 0.9-1.1 mm. It is found in typically, lowland hardwood forests, often in floodplains; in flood debris and litter atop beaver lodges; but also collection under a grass clump in a high montane grassland. Active during Apr-Oct in east-central Texas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Abraeinae
- Tribe
- Acritini
- Genus
- Acritus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
typically, lowland hardwood forests, often in floodplains; in flood debris and litter atop beaver lodges; but also collection under a grass clump in a high montane grassland
Geographic Range
mostly se. US (OK-TX-GA-SC)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct in east-central Texas ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Flight activity in east-central TX between 0600 and 2200 h, peak 1900-2000 h ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acritus acaroides Marseul 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acritus acaroides. 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 Acritus acaroides (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acritus acaroides
What is Acritus acaroides?
Acritus acaroides is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acritus acaroides?
0.9-1.1 mm
Where is Acritus acaroides found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | typically, lowland hardwood forests, often in floodplains; in flood debris and litter atop beaver lodges; but also collection under a grass clump in a high montane grassland |
| Range | mostly se. US (OK-TX-GA-SC) |
When is Acritus acaroides active?
Acritus acaroides: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct in east-central Texas ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Acritus acaroides?
Flight activity in east-central TX between 0600 and 2200 h, peak 1900-2000 h ( 4 )