Airora minuta
This record describes Airora minuta (species). Recorded family: Trogossitidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Besides the small size this species differs from aequalis Reitt. and allies by having the apical angles of prothorax not produced, the lateral margin of prothorax angularly reflexed near apex and the elytral striae not impressed. Type Locality: Fort Yuma, Yuma Co., Arizona
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Trogossitidae
- Subfamily
- Trogossitinae
- Genus
- Airora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so.CA‒sw.AZ; Sinaloa
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Airora minuta Schaeffer 1918
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Airora minuta. 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 Airora minuta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Airora minuta
What is Airora minuta?
Airora minuta is a species in the family Trogossitidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Airora minuta?
3.2‒3.6 mm
How do you identify Airora minuta?
Besides the small size this species differs from aequalis Reitt. and allies by having the apical angles of prothorax not produced, the lateral margin of prothorax angularly reflexed near apex and the elytral striae not impressed.
Where is Airora minuta found?
Range: so.CA‒sw.AZ; Sinaloa