Chlaenius flaccidus
This record describes Chlaenius flaccidus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type: One specimen female, collected by Belfrage, in Waco County, Texas. (Waco is in McLennan County.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Chlaeniini
- Genus
- Chlaenius (Vivid Metallic Ground Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
endemic to c. & s. TX - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chlaenius flaccidus Horn, 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chlaenius flaccidus. 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 Chlaenius flaccidus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlaenius flaccidus
What is Chlaenius flaccidus?
Chlaenius flaccidus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chlaenius flaccidus?
11 mm (Horn 1876)
Where is Chlaenius flaccidus found?
Range: endemic to c. & s. TX - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )