ColeopteraCantharidae – Soldier Beetles

Chauliognathus deceptus

This record describes Chauliognathus deceptus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Chauliognathus deceptus - Chauliognathus deceptus
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Identification notes

shiny pronotum

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Elateroidea
Family
Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
Subfamily
Chauliognathinae
Tribe
Chauliognathini
Genus
Chauliognathus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

AZ-NM-CO - Map

Seasonal Activity

mostly: Aug-Sept

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Chauliognathus deceptus Fender 1951

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chauliognathus deceptus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Chauliognathus deceptus (5)

Chauliognathus deceptus - photo 1
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chauliognathus deceptus - photo 2
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chauliognathus deceptus - photo 3
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chauliognathus deceptus - photo 4
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chauliognathus deceptus - photo 5
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Chauliognathus deceptus

How big is Chauliognathus deceptus?

♂ 8-9 mm, ♀ 9.5-10.5 mm

How do you identify Chauliognathus deceptus?

shiny pronotum

Where is Chauliognathus deceptus found?

Range: AZ-NM-CO - Map

When is Chauliognathus deceptus active?

Chauliognathus deceptus: seasonal activity - mostly: Aug-Sept.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.