Catops alsiosus
This record describes Catops alsiosus (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Leiodidae (Round Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cholevinae
- Tribe
- Cholevini
- Genus
- Catops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually spruce forests, bogs, and open tundra, occasionally deciduous forest and prairies; on carrion, in flight-intercept traps, rotten mushrooms, and nests of small mammals
Geographic Range
Holarctic, C. a. alsiosus in NA, northern transcontinental (AK‒NT‒NF to WA‒CO‒MA‒NY), another ssp. in e.Siberia, Mongolia
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Catops alsiosus (Horn 1885)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Catops alsiosus. 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 Catops alsiosus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Catops alsiosus
How big is Catops alsiosus?
4.2‒5 mm
Where is Catops alsiosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually spruce forests, bogs, and open tundra, occasionally deciduous forest and prairies; on carrion, in flight-intercept traps, rotten mushrooms, and nests of small mammals |
| Range | Holarctic, C. a. alsiosus in NA, northern transcontinental (AK‒NT‒NF to WA‒CO‒MA‒NY), another ssp. in e.Siberia, Mongolia |
When is Catops alsiosus active?
Catops alsiosus: seasonal activity - Mar‒Oct.