Crenitis rufiventris
This record describes Crenitis rufiventris (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Form elongate oval; dorsum without microsculpture, palps black . Most similar to C. paradigma , which is overall smaller in size, has a more convex body form, and elytra attenuate posteriorly. Small individuals of C.rufiventris are best distinguished by study of the male genitalia .
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
Margins of shallow lentic habitats (i.e. ponds, marshes, swamps), also in semiterrestrial environments (e.g. moss, leaf litter at the edges of creeks and springs).
Geographic Range
Western NA, from BC s. to CA, e. to AZ, NM, UT
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Crenitis rufiventris Horn
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Crenitis rufiventris. 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 rufiventris (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Crenitis rufiventris
What is Crenitis rufiventris?
Crenitis rufiventris is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Crenitis rufiventris?
2.0-3.0 mm
How do you identify Crenitis rufiventris?
Form elongate oval; dorsum without microsculpture, palps black . Most similar to C. paradigma , which is overall smaller in size, has a more convex body form, and elytra attenuate posteriorly. Small individuals of C.rufiventris are best distinguished by study of the male genitalia .
Where is Crenitis rufiventris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Margins of shallow lentic habitats (i.e. ponds, marshes, swamps), also in semiterrestrial environments (e.g. moss, leaf litter at the edges of creeks and springs). |
| Range | Western NA, from BC s. to CA, e. to AZ, NM, UT |