Cardiophorus togatus
This record describes Cardiophorus togatus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Horn (1871) noted a second spmn that has the elytra entirely red with the apex only slightly darker . Type series, two spmns, collected by Mr. Belfrage at Waco, Texas (Horn 1871)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cardiophorinae
- Genus
- Cardiophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
endemic to w.-c.-n. TX , plus one record from Pueblo, Colo.
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Jun (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cardiophorus togatus Horn, 1871
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cardiophorus togatus. 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 Cardiophorus togatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiophorus togatus
What is Cardiophorus togatus?
Cardiophorus togatus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cardiophorus togatus?
6-9 mm (Horn, 1871),(BG data)
How do you identify Cardiophorus togatus?
Horn (1871) noted a second spmn that has the elytra entirely red with the apex only slightly darker .
Where is Cardiophorus togatus found?
Range: endemic to w.-c.-n. TX , plus one record from Pueblo, Colo.
When is Cardiophorus togatus active?
Cardiophorus togatus: seasonal activity - Feb-Jun (BG data).
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