Crenitis paradigma
This record describes Crenitis paradigma (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body broadly convex, attenuate (tapered to a point) posteriorly. Microsculpture absent on head & pronotum; maxillary palps uniformly dark. Most reliably separated from other similar species by features of the male aedeagus
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
Habitat
In both shallow standing water (i.e. edges of lakes, swamps, marshes) and semiaquatic/terrestrial habitats (leaf litter, wet moss and other debris)
Geographic Range
PNW: BC, AB, WA, OR
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Crenitis paradigma (d'Orchymont)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Crenitis paradigma. 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 paradigma (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Crenitis paradigma
What is Crenitis paradigma?
Crenitis paradigma is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Crenitis paradigma?
1.8-2.4 mm
How do you identify Crenitis paradigma?
Body broadly convex, attenuate (tapered to a point) posteriorly. Microsculpture absent on head & pronotum; maxillary palps uniformly dark. Most reliably separated from other similar species by features of the male aedeagus
Where is Crenitis paradigma found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In both shallow standing water (i.e. edges of lakes, swamps, marshes) and semiaquatic/terrestrial habitats (leaf litter, wet moss and other debris) |
| Range | PNW: BC, AB, WA, OR |