Ciliate Dune Beetle
Coelus ciliatus
This record describes Coelus ciliatus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Though this species varies morphologically from extreme southern (Ensenada, Baja Calif., Mexico) to extreme northern populations (Vancouver, B.C., Canada), the characters distinguishing this species from other in this genus are: A prominent ridge separates the clypeus from the frons, with the former raised relative to frons. Setation extends all the way to the lateral margins of the labrum. See photo below - For a complete description see
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Coniontini
- Genus
- Coelus (Dune Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sand dunes and very sandy soils along Pacific Coast, though in some places farther inland (i.e. King City, Monterey Co.)
Geographic Range
so. BC to Baja
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coelus ciliatus Eschscholtz 1829
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coelus ciliatus. 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 Ciliate Dune Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ciliate Dune Beetle
What is Ciliate Dune Beetle?
Ciliate Dune Beetle (Coelus ciliatus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ciliate Dune Beetle?
Though this species varies morphologically from extreme southern (Ensenada, Baja Calif., Mexico) to extreme northern populations (Vancouver, B.C., Canada), the characters distinguishing this species from other in this genus are: A prominent ridge separates the clypeus from the frons, with the former raised relative to frons. Setation extends all the way to the lateral margins of the labrum. See photo below - For a complete description see
Where is Ciliate Dune Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sand dunes and very sandy soils along Pacific Coast, though in some places farther inland (i.e. King City, Monterey Co.) |
| Range | so. BC to Baja |