Ammodonus fossor
This record describes Ammodonus fossor (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ammodonus fossor (Ammodonus fossor) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Blaptinae, tribe Opatrini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Ammodonus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 4.5-5 mm. It is found in open sandy areas in disjunct populations separated by vast areas of forest; these micro-habitats are periodically lost due to plant succession and regained by natural fires or prescribed burns. Active during Mar-Sept.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Blaptinae
- Tribe
- Opatrini
- Genus
- Ammodonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open sandy areas in disjunct populations separated by vast areas of forest; these micro-habitats are periodically lost due to plant succession and regained by natural fires or prescribed burns
Geographic Range
e NA (ON-NY-SC to MN-NE-TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Sept ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ammodonus fossor (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ammodonus fossor. 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 Ammodonus fossor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ammodonus fossor
What is Ammodonus fossor?
Ammodonus fossor is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ammodonus fossor?
4.5-5 mm
Where is Ammodonus fossor found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open sandy areas in disjunct populations separated by vast areas of forest; these micro-habitats are periodically lost due to plant succession and regained by natural fires or prescribed burns |
| Range | e NA (ON-NY-SC to MN-NE-TX) - Map |
When is Ammodonus fossor active?
Ammodonus fossor: seasonal activity - Mar-Sept ( 3 ).