Ataenius desertus
This record describes Ataenius desertus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ferruginous or pale castaneous, oblong oval, shining.
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
Habitat
Not rare in the desert regions around and to the eastward of Fort Yuma, Calif.
Geographic Range
sw.US (s.CA to w.TX) & nw.Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ataenius desertus Horn 1871
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ataenius desertus. 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 desertus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ataenius desertus
What is Ataenius desertus?
Ataenius desertus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ataenius desertus?
3.3‒4.5 mm
How do you identify Ataenius desertus?
Ferruginous or pale castaneous, oblong oval, shining.
Where is Ataenius desertus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Not rare in the desert regions around and to the eastward of Fort Yuma, Calif. |
| Range | sw.US (s.CA to w.TX) & nw.Mex. - Map |