Celina imitatrix
This record describes Celina imitatrix (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytron with punctation coarse and irregular; pronotum dull with microsculpture meshes large and well impressed, disk with punctation fine and dense, laterally with larger punctures broadly distributed Type Locality: Gainesville, Alachua Co., FL
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydroporinae
- Tribe
- Hyphydrini
- Genus
- Celina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Indiana and New Jersey to Florida
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Celina imitatrix Young, 1979
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Celina imitatrix. 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 Celina imitatrix (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Celina imitatrix
What is Celina imitatrix?
Celina imitatrix is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Celina imitatrix?
Length 5.0-5.6 mm
How do you identify Celina imitatrix?
elytron with punctation coarse and irregular; pronotum dull with microsculpture meshes large and well impressed, disk with punctation fine and dense, laterally with larger punctures broadly distributed
Where is Celina imitatrix found?
Range: Indiana and New Jersey to Florida