Coptotomus longulus
This record describes Coptotomus longulus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
reliably distinguished by broad metasternal wing (narrowest width between mesocoxa and edge of metacoxal plate) of 0.35 mm or greater
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coptotominae
- Genus
- Coptotomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
occur in open, permanent ponds, often abundant in artificial ponds such as roadside barrow pits and stock ponds where there is rooted vegetation, usually Typha
Geographic Range
transcontinental, s. Canada to FL and n.CA
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Life History
comes to lights
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coptotomus longulus LeConte 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coptotomus longulus. 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 Coptotomus longulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by tom murray , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Coptotomus longulus
What is Coptotomus longulus?
Coptotomus longulus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Coptotomus longulus?
6.8-8.2 mm
How do you identify Coptotomus longulus?
reliably distinguished by broad metasternal wing (narrowest width between mesocoxa and edge of metacoxal plate) of 0.35 mm or greater
Where is Coptotomus longulus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | occur in open, permanent ponds, often abundant in artificial ponds such as roadside barrow pits and stock ponds where there is rooted vegetation, usually Typha |
| Range | transcontinental, s. Canada to FL and n.CA |
When is Coptotomus longulus active?
Coptotomus longulus: seasonal activity - mostly May-Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Coptotomus longulus?
comes to lights