Chaetarthria pallida
This record describes Chaetarthria pallida (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see discussion here ; the only dorsally yellowish species in NA in which the males have plates instead of stalked discs on the inner surface of the protibiae. Females may be hard to separate from similar species. rarely seen other than at lights (where they may be abundant)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chaetarthriinae
- Tribe
- Anacaenini
- Genus
- Chaetarthria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
stream/river margins; they burrow in clean sand (no mud or silt)
Geographic Range
OR‒SK‒NY to CA‒FL to Mexico ; only sp. in se.US
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chaetarthria pallida (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chaetarthria pallida. 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 Chaetarthria pallida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaetarthria pallida
What is Chaetarthria pallida?
Chaetarthria pallida is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chaetarthria pallida?
1.3‒1.7 mm
How do you identify Chaetarthria pallida?
see discussion here ; the only dorsally yellowish species in NA in which the males have plates instead of stalked discs on the inner surface of the protibiae. Females may be hard to separate from similar species.
Where is Chaetarthria pallida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | stream/river margins; they burrow in clean sand (no mud or silt) |
| Range | OR‒SK‒NY to CA‒FL to Mexico ; only sp. in se.US |