Agabus punctulatus
This record describes Agabus punctulatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
oval, small; rather shiny, dark reddish brown to almost black dorsally, often with a greenish sheen in life; lateral margins of pronotum and elytra paler; male protarsal claw with a subapical ventral tooth
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
vernal grassland ponds
Geographic Range
transcontinental in the north, south to CA‒NM in the west, to NJ in the east
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agabus punctulatus (Aubé 1838)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus punctulatus. 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 punctulatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus punctulatus
What is Agabus punctulatus?
Agabus punctulatus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agabus punctulatus?
5.5‒6.4 mm
How do you identify Agabus punctulatus?
oval, small; rather shiny, dark reddish brown to almost black dorsally, often with a greenish sheen in life; lateral margins of pronotum and elytra paler; male protarsal claw with a subapical ventral tooth
Where is Agabus punctulatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | vernal grassland ponds |
| Range | transcontinental in the north, south to CA‒NM in the west, to NJ in the east |