Catogenus rufus
This record describes Catogenus rufus (species). Recorded family: Passandridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Wikipedia reference for Catogenus rufus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catogenus_rufus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Passandridae (Parasitic Flat Bark Beetles)
- Genus
- Catogenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under bark
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-ND to FL-TX) to Costa Rica - Map ; the only Catogenus sp. east of AZ (M.C. Thomas, 28.viii.2008)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are ectoparasitoids of cerambycid and braconid pupae adults predacious:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Catogenus rufus (Fabricius 1798)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Catogenus rufus. 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 Catogenus rufus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Catogenus rufus
How big is Catogenus rufus?
4-13 mm
Where is Catogenus rufus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark |
| Range | e. NA (QC-ND to FL-TX) to Costa Rica - Map ; the only Catogenus sp. east of AZ (M.C. Thomas, 28.viii.2008) |
What is the life cycle of a Catogenus rufus?
Larvae are ectoparasitoids of cerambycid and braconid pupae adults predacious:
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