Chauliognathus lewisi
This record describes Chauliognathus lewisi (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
ssp. vittaus Schaeffer has the basal & apical elytral markings connected
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
CA-TX; ssp. vittaus in AZ
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Oct (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chauliognathus lewisi Crotch 1874
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chauliognathus lewisi. 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 Chauliognathus lewisi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chauliognathus lewisi
What is Chauliognathus lewisi?
Chauliognathus lewisi is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chauliognathus lewisi?
♂ 8-10 mm, ♀ 8.5-10 mm
How do you identify Chauliognathus lewisi?
ssp. vittaus Schaeffer has the basal & apical elytral markings connected
Where is Chauliognathus lewisi found?
Range: CA-TX; ssp. vittaus in AZ
When is Chauliognathus lewisi active?
Chauliognathus lewisi: seasonal activity - Aug-Oct (BG data).