Atholus americanus
This record describes Atholus americanus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Histerinae
- Tribe
- Histerini
- Genus
- Atholus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in herbivorous mammal dung, under logs on "trash"
Geographic Range
Widespread from the Atlantic coast to eastern foothills of the Rockies; w. & so. limits of the distribution poorly known
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atholus americanus (Paykull 1811)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Atholus americanus. 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 Atholus americanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by v belov