Chauliognathus misellus
This record describes Chauliognathus misellus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017 interesting mimic of: Dysdercus bimaculatus (Stål) - AZ Pyrrhocoridae
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
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, w.TX / w.Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most US records from AZ
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Oct (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chauliognathus misellus Horn 1885
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chauliognathus misellus. 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 misellus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chauliognathus misellus
What is Chauliognathus misellus?
Chauliognathus misellus is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chauliognathus misellus?
♂ 9.5-11 mm, ♀ 11-13 mm
How do you identify Chauliognathus misellus?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Where is Chauliognathus misellus found?
Range: AZ, w.TX / w.Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most US records from AZ
When is Chauliognathus misellus active?
Chauliognathus misellus: seasonal activity - Aug-Oct (BG data).