Agathidium maculosum
This record describes Agathidium maculosum (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished by the prominent, irregular maculations on the elytra (figs. 46, 49), which distinguish the species from all others except A. pulchrum and A. amae , which it greatly resembles. From these species it differs by lacking a sutural elytral stria (fig. 49) and having the anterior clypeal margin less strongly excavated (fig. 49)... Also, the macula at the base of the elytra is characteristically broad and extends in lateral, posteriorly directed lobes (fig. 49)... Head yellow-brown; pronotum yellow with large central area of brown; elytra yellow with brown along suture, anteromedially and in two elongate, often confluent medial spots, lateral one located slightly more anterad than other; venter yellow; antennae yellow with basal two club antennomeres brown and apical antennomere yellow; palpi yellow; legs yellow-brown to yellow. Illustrated in , the maculations are fairly consistent in this species (showing three variations): View Illustration Agathidium maculosum , A. pulchrum , and A. amae patterns adapted by C.Wood after : View Illustration
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Leiodidae (Round Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Leiodinae
- Tribe
- Agathidiini
- Genus
- Agathidium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rotten wood, Polyporus sp., slime mold
Geographic Range
along the west coast (c.California to BC)
Seasonal Activity
year round
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agathidium maculosum Brown 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agathidium maculosum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agathidium maculosum
What is Agathidium maculosum?
Agathidium maculosum is a species in the family Leiodidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Agathidium maculosum?
distinguished by the prominent, irregular maculations on the elytra (figs. 46, 49), which distinguish the species from all others except A. pulchrum and A. amae , which it greatly resembles. From these species it differs by lacking a sutural elytral stria (fig. 49) and having the anterior clypeal margin less strongly excavated (fig. 49)... Also, the macula at the base of the elytra is characteristically broad and extends in lateral, posteriorly directed lobes (fig. 49)... Head yellow-brown; pronotum yellow with large central area of brown; elytra yellow with brown along suture, anteromedially and in two elongate, often confluent medial spots, lateral one located slightly more anterad than other; venter yellow; antennae yellow with basal two club antennomeres brown and apical antennomere yellow; palpi yellow; legs yellow-brown to yellow.
Where is Agathidium maculosum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rotten wood, Polyporus sp., slime mold |
| Range | along the west coast (c.California to BC) |
When is Agathidium maculosum active?
Agathidium maculosum: seasonal activity - year round.