Cucochodaeus sparsus
This record describes Cucochodaeus sparsus (species). Recorded family: Ochodaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
differs from other New World ochodaeids in having nine antennomeres, an unmodified propygidium, stridulatory peg absent, head declivous behind the eyes, and the anterior margin of the pronotum produced behind the eyes (not simply concave)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Ochodaeidae (Sand-loving Scarab Beetles)
- Genus
- Cucochodaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (CA-TX-NE-UT) / nw. Mex - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cucochodaeus sparsus (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cucochodaeus sparsus. 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 Cucochodaeus sparsus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cucochodaeus sparsus
What is Cucochodaeus sparsus?
Cucochodaeus sparsus is a species in the family Ochodaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cucochodaeus sparsus?
4.5-8.5 mm
How do you identify Cucochodaeus sparsus?
differs from other New World ochodaeids in having nine antennomeres, an unmodified propygidium, stridulatory peg absent, head declivous behind the eyes, and the anterior margin of the pronotum produced behind the eyes (not simply concave)
Where is Cucochodaeus sparsus found?
Range: sw US (CA-TX-NE-UT) / nw. Mex - Map