ColeopteraCantharidae – Soldier Beetles

Chauliognathus opacus

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

Identification and Appearance

Chauliognathus opacus - Chauliognathus opacus — Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

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 - Map

Seasonal Activity

Aug-Oct

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Chauliognathus opacus LeConte 1866

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

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