Agabus oblongulus
This record describes Agabus oblongulus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Holotype
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
In ponds rich in emergent aquatic vegetation and debris; vernal ponds & pools
Geographic Range
WA‒OR , recently discovered in sw.BC (BG & iNaturalist records)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agabus oblongulus Fall 1922
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus oblongulus. 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 oblongulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus oblongulus
How big is Agabus oblongulus?
5.5‒6.4 mm
How do you identify Agabus oblongulus?
Holotype
Where is Agabus oblongulus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In ponds rich in emergent aquatic vegetation and debris; vernal ponds & pools |
| Range | WA‒OR , recently discovered in sw.BC (BG & iNaturalist records) |