Catops gratiosus
This record describes Catops gratiosus (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The characters of the antennae and the male genitalia will distinguish C. gratiosus from all other North American Catops species.
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
Mainly found in moist habitats like caves and cool forests in the southeastern U.S., but also occurs in various decaying organic substrates; caves likely serve as refuges rather than specialized habitats.
Geographic Range
Accross southern Canada to southeastern United States
Seasonal Activity
May to September (year-round in caves)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Catops gratiosus (F.Blanchard, 1915)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Catops gratiosus. 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 gratiosus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Pierrick BLOIN
Frequently Asked Questions About Catops gratiosus
What is Catops gratiosus?
Catops gratiosus is a species in the family Leiodidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Catops gratiosus?
3.7-4.7 mm
How do you identify Catops gratiosus?
The characters of the antennae and the male genitalia will distinguish C. gratiosus from all other North American Catops species.
Where is Catops gratiosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mainly found in moist habitats like caves and cool forests in the southeastern U.S., but also occurs in various decaying organic substrates; caves likely serve as refuges rather than specialized habitats. |
| Range | Accross southern Canada to southeastern United States |
When is Catops gratiosus active?
Catops gratiosus: seasonal activity - May to September (year-round in caves).