Agabus anthracinus
This record describes Agabus anthracinus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | mostly black, with lighter (rufous to piceous) legs, frontal spots, palpi, and lateral & basal borders of elytra and pronotum. |
| Antennae | Antennae pale basally. |
| Elytra | Elytra sculpture rather coarse, resembling scales. Prosternal process convex to angulate basally in cross section; posterolateral angle of metafemur distinctly produced at an acute angle |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agabinae
- Tribe
- Agabini
- Genus
- Agabus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
lentic habitats with dense emergent vegetation; more common in forested regions
Geographic Range
northern transcontinental
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agabus anthracinus (Mannerheim 1852)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus anthracinus. 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 Agabus anthracinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus anthracinus
What is Agabus anthracinus?
Agabus anthracinus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Agabus anthracinus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | mostly black, with lighter (rufous to piceous) legs, frontal spots, palpi, and lateral & basal borders of elytra and pronotum. |
| Antennae | Antennae pale basally. |
| Elytra | Elytra sculpture rather coarse, resembling scales. Prosternal process convex to angulate basally in cross section; posterolateral angle of metafemur distinctly produced at an acute angle |
Where is Agabus anthracinus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | lentic habitats with dense emergent vegetation; more common in forested regions |
| Range | northern transcontinental |