Chaetocoelus setosus
This record describes Chaetocoelus setosus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

female is brachypterous Type Locality: Columbus, Texas; E. A. Schwarz
Identification notes
female is brachypterous
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Melyridae (Soft-winged Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Malachiinae
- Genus
- Chaetocoelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
only a few specimens were found in the densest recesses of the forest of the river bottoms, on grape vines ( Vitis , Vitaceae) ( 6 )
Geographic Range
TX-n.FL-MD, IN
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chaetocoelus setosus LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chaetocoelus setosus. 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 Chaetocoelus setosus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaetocoelus setosus
What is Chaetocoelus setosus?
Chaetocoelus setosus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chaetocoelus setosus?
2.2-2.5 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Chaetocoelus setosus?
female is brachypterous
Where is Chaetocoelus setosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | only a few specimens were found in the densest recesses of the forest of the river bottoms, on grape vines ( Vitis , Vitaceae) ( 6 ) |
| Range | TX-n.FL-MD, IN |
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