Ataenius confertus
This record describes Ataenius confertus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. B. Warner, 2013 Type Locality: San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Identification notes
Det. B. Warner, 2013
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Eupariini
- Genus
- Ataenius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, TX / Mex. - Map ( Skelley 2008 ) , TX record based on one spmn examined by Riley and Wolfe from Presidio (Presidio County).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ataenius confertus Fall, 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ataenius confertus. 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 Ataenius confertus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ataenius confertus
What is Ataenius confertus?
Ataenius confertus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ataenius confertus?
4.3 mm (type) (Fall 1909)
How do you identify Ataenius confertus?
Det. B. Warner, 2013
Where is Ataenius confertus found?
Range: AZ, TX / Mex. - Map ( Skelley 2008 ) , TX record based on one spmn examined by Riley and Wolfe from Presidio (Presidio County).