Atholus bimaculatus
This record describes Atholus bimaculatus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
black elytron with a large lateroposterior reddish area and a depression near each anterior angle of the pronotum Det. Jeff Gruber, 2007 earliest record in our area: 1825
Wikipedia reference for Atholus bimaculatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atholus_bimaculatus.
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
dung/feces & various decaying plant matter
Geographic Range
adventive across the US & so. CAN - Map , native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic, now almost cosmopolitan
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atholus bimaculatus (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Atholus bimaculatus. 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 bimaculatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Atholus bimaculatus
What is Atholus bimaculatus?
Atholus bimaculatus is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Atholus bimaculatus?
4.0-4.8 mm
How do you identify Atholus bimaculatus?
black elytron with a large lateroposterior reddish area and a depression near each anterior angle of the pronotum Det. Jeff Gruber, 2007
Where is Atholus bimaculatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dung/feces & various decaying plant matter |
| Range | adventive across the US & so. CAN - Map , native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic, now almost cosmopolitan |