Crenitis morata
This record describes Crenitis morata (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Relatively large body size, oval to elongate oval. Color black, slightly metallic. Microsculpture present on both head and pronotum. Hind femur with dense pubescent portion restricted to base. Examination of male genitalia is usually needed for ID confirmation.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chaetarthriinae
- Tribe
- Anacaenini
- Genus
- Crenitis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Western NA, with isolated populations in the east
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Crenitis morata (Horn 1890)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Crenitis morata. 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 Crenitis morata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Crenitis morata
What is Crenitis morata?
Crenitis morata is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Crenitis morata?
2.8-3.4 mm
How do you identify Crenitis morata?
Relatively large body size, oval to elongate oval. Color black, slightly metallic. Microsculpture present on both head and pronotum. Hind femur with dense pubescent portion restricted to base. Examination of male genitalia is usually needed for ID confirmation.
Where is Crenitis morata found?
Range: Western NA, with isolated populations in the east