Carcinops pumilio
This record describes Carcinops pumilio (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Carcinops pumilio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinops_pumilio.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dendrophilinae
- Tribe
- Paromalini
- Genus
- Carcinops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
wide variety of habitats from dense forests to deserts and urban areas, incl. carrion, dung, bird/mammal nests in tree holes, farm manure , often synanthropic, associated with stored products, compost, poultry litter, etc.
Geographic Range
native to the Old World, probably of tropical origin, now nearly cosmopolitan; adventive and widespread in our area (across Canada, n. US, FL)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Carcinops pumilio (Erichson 1834)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Carcinops pumilio. 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 Carcinops pumilio (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov