Ateuchus texanus
This record describes Ateuchus texanus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see genus page for details on separating spp. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 among the most common pitfall trap coll'ed beetle sp. at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Ateuchini
- Genus
- Ateuchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c.TX (n. to Comal Co., and w. to Val Verde Co.) / s. to ne.Mex. - Map , plus one historical record from Travis Co. (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2025)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ateuchus texanus. 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 Ateuchus texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ateuchus texanus
What is Ateuchus texanus?
Ateuchus texanus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ateuchus texanus?
see genus page for details on separating spp. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Where is Ateuchus texanus found?
Range: c.TX (n. to Comal Co., and w. to Val Verde Co.) / s. to ne.Mex. - Map , plus one historical record from Travis Co. (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2025)