Chauliognathus scutellaris
This record describes Chauliognathus scutellaris (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Det. E.G. Riley, 2009 Quoting the original description: Body slender, black, finely pubescent; head moderately elongated, third joint of the antennae one half as long as the 4th; thorax a little longer than wide, rounded at the apex, reflexed at the sides, margined and slightly sinuate at base, disc uneven, without luster, yellow, with two large confluent black spots. |
| Elytra | Elytra without luster, coarsely punctured, yellow, with a large common triangular spot at the base, and another elongate one on each behind the middle, black. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen yellow. |
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
NM-TX-OK / n. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Spring & Fall populations
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chauliognathus scutellaris LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chauliognathus scutellaris. 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 scutellaris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chauliognathus scutellaris
What is Chauliognathus scutellaris?
Chauliognathus scutellaris is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chauliognathus scutellaris?
male: 0.48 (inches, presumably) = 12 mm length (LeConte, 1853)
How do you identify Chauliognathus scutellaris?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Det. E.G. Riley, 2009 Quoting the original description: Body slender, black, finely pubescent; head moderately elongated, third joint of the antennae one half as long as the 4th; thorax a little longer than wide, rounded at the apex, reflexed at the sides, margined and slightly sinuate at base, disc uneven, without luster, yellow, with two large confluent black spots. |
| Elytra | Elytra without luster, coarsely punctured, yellow, with a large common triangular spot at the base, and another elongate one on each behind the middle, black. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen yellow. |
Where is Chauliognathus scutellaris found?
Range: NM-TX-OK / n. Mex. - Map
When is Chauliognathus scutellaris active?
Chauliognathus scutellaris: seasonal activity - Spring & Fall populations.