Acritus attaphilus
This record describes Acritus attaphilus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type locality: TEXAS: Boerne, 10 feet down in nest of Atta texana (Kendall Co.)
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
Geographic Range
TX-LA, which is also the range of Atta texana - USDA Forest Service
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acritus attaphilus Wenzel 1939
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acritus attaphilus. 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 attaphilus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acritus attaphilus
What is Acritus attaphilus?
Acritus attaphilus is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acritus attaphilus?
0.8-1.2 mm (BG data)
Where is Acritus attaphilus found?
Range: TX-LA, which is also the range of Atta texana - USDA Forest Service