Ataenius hesperius
This record describes Ataenius hesperius (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
similar to A. texanus but pronotum more uniformly punctuate with fewer fine punctures anteriorly at middle and the suture between sterna IV & V narrovs laterad. Ranges farther west than A. texanus .
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
mostly: CA-TX, scattered records: LA-SD-CO Cartwright recorded this species from Colorado, Dallas, Duval, Travis, Uvalde and Victoria counties in Texas, however Riley & Wolfe were unable to recognize this species among their material
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ataenius hesperius Cartwright 1974
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ataenius hesperius. 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 hesperius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ataenius hesperius
What is Ataenius hesperius?
Ataenius hesperius is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ataenius hesperius?
3.4-4.1 mm
How do you identify Ataenius hesperius?
similar to A. texanus but pronotum more uniformly punctuate with fewer fine punctures anteriorly at middle and the suture between sterna IV & V narrovs laterad. Ranges farther west than A. texanus .
Where is Ataenius hesperius found?
Range: mostly: CA-TX, scattered records: LA-SD-CO Cartwright recorded this species from Colorado, Dallas, Duval, Travis, Uvalde and Victoria counties in Texas, however Riley & Wolfe were unable to recognize this species among their material
When is Ataenius hesperius active?
Ataenius hesperius: seasonal activity - Feb-Oct.