Anisodactylus anthracinus
This record describes Anisodactylus anthracinus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Closest to allopatric A. merula in published keys, but much more convex and is restricted to the southwest
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Harpalini
- Genus
- Anisodactylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (CA-TX) & Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anisodactylus anthracinus (Dejean 1829)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anisodactylus anthracinus. 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 Anisodactylus anthracinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anisodactylus anthracinus
What is Anisodactylus anthracinus?
Anisodactylus anthracinus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Anisodactylus anthracinus?
Closest to allopatric A. merula in published keys, but much more convex and is restricted to the southwest
Where is Anisodactylus anthracinus found?
Range: sw. US (CA-TX) & Mexico