ColeopteraCantharidae – Soldier Beetles

Chauliognathus lecontei

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

Identification and Appearance

Chauliognathus lecontei - Chauliognathus lecontei
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Identification notes

Det. Boris Büche, 2008

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 - Map

Seasonal Activity

Jun-Sep in AZ (BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Chauliognathus lecontei Champion 1914

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chauliognathus lecontei. 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 lecontei (2)

Chauliognathus lecontei - photo 1
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chauliognathus lecontei - photo 2
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Chauliognathus lecontei

How big is Chauliognathus lecontei?

♂ 14-15.5 mm, ♀ 14.5-17.5 mm

How do you identify Chauliognathus lecontei?

Det. Boris Büche, 2008

Where is Chauliognathus lecontei found?

Range: AZ-NM - Map

When is Chauliognathus lecontei active?

Chauliognathus lecontei: seasonal activity - Jun-Sep in AZ (BG data).

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

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