Anchastus augusti
This record describes Anchastus augusti (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinctive First US records in 1987 and 1989 in the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville, TX (Heffern & Brattain, 1991). Texas considered this a SGCN in 2012
Identification notes
Distinctive
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaterinae
- Tribe
- Physorhinini
- Genus
- Anchastus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"beaten from blooming lotebush, Ziziphus obtusifolia " (Rhamnaceae) (Heffern & Brattain, 1991)
Geographic Range
coastal FL, TX & Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. , may be circum Gulf of Mexico...
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anchastus augusti. 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 Anchastus augusti (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Anchastus augusti
What is Anchastus augusti?
Anchastus augusti is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anchastus augusti?
Length ca. 11-12 mm
How do you identify Anchastus augusti?
Distinctive
Where is Anchastus augusti found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | beaten from blooming lotebush, Ziziphus obtusifolia (Rhamnaceae) (Heffern & Brattain, 1991) |
| Range | coastal FL, TX & Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. , may be circum Gulf of Mexico... |
When is Anchastus augusti active?
Anchastus augusti: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct.